Riding a motorcycle may offer a sense of freedom but protecting your hearing will make
for a safer and more comfortable ride out on the open road.
Many riders fail to consider the impact that loud sounds - especially from the wind, the
motorcycle engine, and traffic - can have on their hearing. Wearing hearing protection
while riding your motorcycle can significantly reduce the risk of long-term hearing
damage. Here’s why you should consider it on your next ride.
1. Motorcycle Noise Levels Can Be Damaging
Motorcycles, especially at higher speeds, can generate substantial noise levels that are
harmful to your hearing. Noise generated by wind resistance can reach levels of 85 to
100 decibels at speeds over 80km. This is roughly the equivalent of standing next to a
lawnmower or a jackhammer.
Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss
over time. If you're taking a long journey over several hours, this constant exposure can
be damaging. The faster you ride, the noise level climbs, reaching potentially dangerous
levels at high speeds.
The noise from the motorcycle engine itself can also be significant, especially if you’re
riding a louder, high-performance bike. Even if you’re wearing a helmet, the wind noise
alone can penetrate, making hearing protection even more crucial.
The Earjobs Motomate Motorcycle earplugs provide premium level hearing protection,
and importantly, are comfortable to wear under a motorcycle helmet. The Motomate
filters out wind and engine noise to protect your ears, without compromising your
awareness on the road.
The Motomate’s ergonomically designed tip fits snugly and securely in all ear types at
all speeds, meaning no more mid-ride adjustments. Slimline plug design stays flush with
the ears, making them comfortable to wear even in narrow helmets.
2. Wind Noise a Constant, Relentless Issue
Wind noise can be more damaging than the engine sound because it’s continuous,
often relentless, and it directly affects the delicate inner ear. Even with the best helmets,
wind noise can still penetrate and reach your ears. While helmets do help with some
noise reduction, they don’t eliminate it completely. Hearing protection, such as earplugs
or custom ear molds, can make a huge difference by muffling harmful sounds and
reducing exposure to dangerous levels of noise.
The Earjobs DIY Custom Molded earplugs are ideal if you are tired of the ongoing
expense and less than ideal fit of disposable ear plugs. These also fit comfortably in
your ears while wearing a helmet. They're also perfect if you've struggled to find a
comfortable pair of reusable ear plugs.
3. Hearing Protection Improves Comfort on Long Rides
Wearing hearing protection can also improve your overall comfort during long rides.
Continuous exposure to wind noise can cause fatigue, irritability, and discomfort, which
might distract you from the road and impair your focus. It can also lead to annoying
headaches and increased stress. By wearing earplugs or other hearing protection, you
can minimise this noise, which helps you stay more focused and relaxed while riding.
With hearing protection, the sounds of the road, wind, and engine are softened, allowing
you to focus on other important factors, like traffic, navigation, and road conditions. This
all contributes to ensuring a safer riding experience.
If you are needing to communicate with others while you are on the go, the Plugfones
Liberate 2.0 Bluetooth Earplug Headphones feature a built-in noise isolating mic that
helps reduce noise for phone calls. The mic identifies, isolates, and kills environmental
noise so the person on the other end of the call can hear you, not what's going on
around you. A snug fit inside your ears means these are also comfortable to wear
beneath a helmet.
4. Protect Against Tinnitus
Long-term exposure to the noise of a motorcycle can increase the risk of developing
tinnitus - a condition where you experience ringing or buzzing in your ear. By wearing
earplugs or earmuffs, you significantly reduce your risk of developing this debilitating
condition. Many riders who neglect hearing protection are unaware of the cumulative
effect noise can have, and by the time symptoms of tinnitus appear, the damage may
already be done.
5. Helmets Aren’t Enough
While helmets are mandatory for all motorcyclists, they don’t necessarily provide full
protection from harmful noise from wind, traffic, or the bike’s engine. Some riders may
even find that the padding in their helmet can amplify the sound of the rushing wind and make it worse. Wearing additional hearing protection is a wise choice. Ear plugs can specifically target high-frequency noise, helping to block out the harmful sounds that helmets alone cannot protect you from.
6. Hearing Protection is Easy to Use and Affordable
There’s no reason not to invest in hearing protection when riding a motorcycle.
High-quality earplugs are inexpensive, portable, and easy to use. They’re small enough
to carry around in your gear bag, and you can easily insert them before every ride.
The protection they offer is well worth the minimal investment.
Simple, affordable, and effective hearing protection will not only help preserve your
hearing but also improve your comfort and focus during every ride. So, next time you
gear up for a ride, don’t forget your helmet and hearing protection—they’ll help keep you safe on the road and beyond.