Motorcycle Hearing Protection: Is it Really Necessary?
One complaint about motorcycles from killjoys is “they’re so loud!” While they’re right that motorcycles are loud, that’s part of the fun! Pulling back on the throttle and letting the engine roar is one of the great joys of riding.
But what you might not know is that motorcycles can be very hard on your hearing. Just because you enjoy the roar of your engine doesn’t mean you can’t take some steps to protect your eardrums. Below, we’ll outline why motorcycles are so hard on hearing and provide a few tips for how to protect your hearing when you ride. Read on to learn more and stop by Crossroads Powersports for all your riding needs. Our location near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania proudly serves the areas of Upper Darby, Bensalem, Hatfield, and Honey Brook, Pennsylvania.
Why You Need Hearing Protection
There are plenty of loud activities that most people don’t wear hearing protection for that they should, and one could argue whether or not that’s smart. But when it comes to motorcycle riding, refusing to wear hearing protection can cause some real hearing damage, especially if you’re a frequent rider.
In most states, the volume output of a motorcycle is limited, usually to something like 90 decibels when measured from 50 feet away. (These numbers change from state to state, but usually they’re close to this.) Noise induced hearing loss starts to become a concern around 80 decibels, and a rider directly on top of a bike will likely experience greater than 90 decibels of sound than a person standing 50 feet away.
The engine noise isn’t the only concern for motorcycle riders. The effects of wind can be more damaging to your ears than the sound itself. When riding at a speed of 60 kmh, a rider will experience around 90 decibels of volume. When traveling at 160 kmh, about 100 mph, you’ll experience 110 decibels, and that’s enough to cause serious hearing damage.
Different Types of Hearing Protection
The first point many riders will raise when bringing up hearing protection is: “doesn’t my helmet shield me from noise?” Unfortunately, studies have found that helmets don’t do much of anything to prevent hearing damage. Some evidence has shown that they can even start to vibrate at potentially dangerous 250 Hz frequency.
Since your helmet won’t be enough to stop hearing loss, you’ll need some additional protection. Because of the space demands of a helmet, you won’t be able to use any hearing protection with a band or stems. That cuts out earmuffs and many types of earplug. Luckily, the simple disposable foam earplug is plenty effective for the task. (You don’t have to use foam earplugs and wax or gel earplugs can be just as effective, but foam earplugs are cheap!)
How to Wear Hearing Protection
Hearing protection is only effective when used correctly. There’s a correct way to use foam earplugs. Start by holding one earplug between your pointer finger, middle finger, and thumb. Roll the earplug back and forth, applying enough pressure to reduce its diameter. Reach over the top of your head with the other hand and pull on the top of your ear to open the ear canal. Insert the earplug until it sits firmly but comfortably in your ear. Install the other earplug in the same manner and then let them both expand before putting on your helmet.
Wearing hearing protection is important if you want to keep your hearing. For more riding advice, riding gear, and maintenance for your motorcycle, stop by Crossroads Powersports. Our location in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania proudly serves the areas of Bensalem, Hatfield, and Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, as well as Deffert, New Jersey.