There is a way to protect your ears while riding your motorcycle on the highway. There is a product that protects the rider’s ears from wind noise while allowing a full spectrum of sound to enter. This is important because riders need to be aware of what is happening around them. Motorcycle accident lawyers in McAllen point out that bikers are at high risk for fatal injuries so it’s critical to be hyper aware of the vehicles around you. Being able to enjoy more comfort while riding is important. And, still having an awareness through the hearing of events happening around the bike is also important. New designs of affordable earplugs provide one answer.
Motorcycle Noise Can Harm the Ears
The people over at earpeace.com know that motorcycle riders want the experience of bike riding without the discomfort of wind and road noise on their ears. They do not want to suffer hearing damage or loss from riding without ear protection. Even though careful bike riders wear gloves, boots, and helmets while riding, their ears need additional protection. Ear damage can be avoided by wearing affordable earplugs while riding.
This small investment can save a person’s hearing for the future and make the bike ride more comfortable. Good earplugs do not block out all noise. Note that a helmet protects the head from injury but does not keep out road-noise or protect the ears and hearing.
Over 30 million people in America suffer some form of hearing loss from noise on the job, in recreational settings, or from being in or on open-air vehicles such as motorcycles without ear protection. Don’t be one of them. This hearing damage is 100% avoidable. But, if steps are not taken to prevent it, the hearing damage will be permanent. Motor cycle riders must guard against noise from turbulent airflow or wind noise.
The newer bikes are quieter and perform better. But, wind noise is still a problem for riders. The low-frequency wind noise can be harmful even at speeds as low as 40 miles per hour. The faster a rider goes, the louder and more harmful the sound is. This loud wind noise can damage the inner ear’s sensory hair cells. They can’t grow back on their own, so the damage is permanent. After long periods on bikes without ear plugs, riders report symptoms such as tinnitus, tiredness, headaches, and a condition called disequilibrium.
Protecting the Ears While Riding
Riders can take effective steps to protect their ears from damage while riding. Wearing earplugs can quiet up to 25 dB of sound and can mean the difference between safe and dangerous levels of noise.
Avoiding prolonged high-speed runs will prevent being exposed to excessive wind noise. But if one does these high-speed runs, at least wear good earplugs. The biker can also use earmuffs inside the bike helmet that can be switch on and off or use noise-cancelling earphones.
Start by having a hearing test to determine if there is already hearing loss. If there is a measurable loss, it is even more important to take steps to prevent more hearing loss. Signs of hearing loss include a feeling of pressure or some fullness in the ears that goes away after the noise exposure ends. But, the damage will still be there, and this damage accumulates with each noise exposure or event. Hearing loss is subtle and can get worse over time.
Earplugs for Ear Protection
Earplugs come in different forms and styles. The best ones are cost effective while protecting your ears from road noise, keeping them safe. Look for earplugs that reduce wind noise that is annoying, distracting, and damaging to the ears. Choose earplugs that prevent temporary deafness or TTS. This condition blocks out all frequencies and makes riding dangerous. Choose earplugs that don’t block all frequencies but, instead, enhance the frequencies a person needs to hear for safety while reducing the harmful noise frequencies.
Earplugs at their best protect the ears and avoid a rider getting noise fatigue on long rides. This noise fatigue can be painful as well as damaging to the ears.
Different Types of Earplugs
There are several types of earplugs to choose from:
- Reusable earplugs can be used multiple times with some maintenance. They need to be cleaned after each use. Reusable earplugs can last up to a year but are more expensive. These are good for frequent riders.
- Disposable earplugs are most common and are made of foam. They have the advantage of being inexpensive and yet comfortable to wear. These earplugs come in different qualities and effectiveness, so choose only high quality ones and insert them properly each time. Dispose of them responsibly.
- Corded earplugs are attached to cords so they are harder to lose. They are easier to remove from the ears and can be hung around the neck when not in use.
- Custom-molded earplugs are designed and fitted to each rider for maximum effectiveness. They cost more but may be worth the extra expense. With these special earplugs, riders can hear voices and the sounds you want to hear while the loud road noises are blocked and the ears are protected.
Earplugs can cost as little as $5.00 for foam disposable ones or more than $150.00 for custom ones.
Features to Consider
Even with one-size-fits-most earplugs, fit is a consideration. Certain kinds might not for your ear canal if it is too narrow or too wide. If earplugs are too small, they are ineffective and can get stuck in the ear. If earplugs are too large, they will be uncomfortable and will not stay in place.
Check the package labeling for noise-reduction ratings. The ratings tell the earplugs potential for reducing noise in decibels. Higher ratings mean more noise reduction.
Since everyone’s ears and ear canals are unique, it is important to select the perfect fit for you. You need those protective earplugs to be comfortable while you ride and with helmet use. Earplugs are made of a variety of materials including foam, soft silicone, and ceramic materials. Choose the one that feels right for you. When all is said and done, you want earplugs that are hypoallergenic, comfortable, and discrete. Choosing earplugs carefully and wearing them for every bike ride will help keep your ears healthy and protected.
