Hearing Protection for Riding Motorcycles
You know that you’re supposed to protect your head and your skin while you ride motorcycles. But you may be forgetting something else you need to guard: your hearing. Many riders don’t realize that each time they venture out on their motorcycles, you expose yourself to permanent hearing damage. We value your health and safety at Road Track & Trail, so we created this guide to motorcycle hearing protection. For all your motorcycle needs, you’ll find us near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Why Do I Need Hearing Protection?
Sound starts to damage your hearing once it reaches 85 decibels of noise. Riding motorcycles at 40 miles an hour exposes riders to 90 decibels of noise. Some of this is due to the roar of your engine and the cacophony of road noise. But most of it actually comes from wind noise. The faster you ride, the greater the noise pollution and subsequently the hearing damage.
The issue, of course, is that this damage is irreversible. Once you lose that bit of hearing, you can never get it back. Fortunately, this damage is preventable. Some riders think that their helmet serves as an effective blocker of noise. But the opposite is true. Helmets not only don’t block noise, they vibrate and contribute to the problem. You need something to fight against the damaging sound.
What Are My Hearing Protection Options?
There is a simple solution to fighting the noise issue: plug something inside your ears to block out the damaging sound. Since they fit snug inside your ears, you can wear them comfortably without it interfering with your helmet. The following options remove about 30 decibels of noise, which is enough to reduce the damage down to safe levels.
Most riders opt for a simple pair of disposable earplugs. They are the least expensive option and you can find them at most grocery stores and gas stations. While they only last for one use, you can buy them in bulk so each pair only costs a few cents. The cheap cost does come at a price since these tend to be the least comfortable.
Some riders prefer wax or rubber balls. These can be molded into a shape you prefer and then put into your ear. Because they are moldable, it can be easier to find a good fit. They are also reusable for several rides. Their downfall is that they can begin to feel greasy on a hot day.
A select number of riders go with custom-fitted earplugs. These are measured for your exact specifications, which can result in the best possible fit and coverage. They will cost the most, but they can last for years, which helps offset the high initial price.
Which Option is Best for Me?
The right hearing protection is a matter of personal choice. Some riders just want the cheapest option and go for the disposable earplugs. Others want the most comfortable fit and don’t mind spending the extra money. A good rule of thumb is that the more often you ride (or the longer your rides are), the more important it is to splurge on a more comfortable option.
Whatever option you choose, you will need to make sure it fits properly. When hearing protection is too large, it can stick outside your ear and push against the helmet. This can hurt after some time. When hearing protection is too small, it won’t stay inside your ears. To get proper protection, it needs to fit well. Once you find the right fit, enjoy comfortable and safe rides free of hearing damage!
For all your motorcycle needs, visit Road Track & Trail. We offer a selection of motorcycles for sale, as well as a parts replacement and service department. We proudly serve those in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Big Bend, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.