Ears ringing.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,491
Likes: 34,595
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
I have tinnitus 24/7. Eventually every loud noise you've been exposed to catches up with you. It's cumulative, so what ever you can do to limit your exposure to loud noise will help you later in life. Earplugs when riding is a good idea.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 3,392
From: Seattle
The major cause of Tinnitus from riding a motorcycle is from wind noise, not loud exhaust. It doesnt matter which helmet you wear, wear ear plugs, or if you need nagivation, wear earbuds that seal tightly into your ears.
Personally, I have partial deafness due to my ears being damaged when I was 19 and got an infection I'm my ears. I've been partially deaf ever since. I actually need hearing aids, and will need to eventually learn ASL, but it's a big reason I try to take care of my hearing, I don't have much left to lose.
I have Alpine earplugs with the strong filters for riding normally, and earbuds for when I need navigation. I don't ride without. I have both earplugs and a pair of earbuds that live in my riding backpack, so I can't forget them.
Once you have Tinnitus or hearing loss, that's it. It never comes back.
Personally, I have partial deafness due to my ears being damaged when I was 19 and got an infection I'm my ears. I've been partially deaf ever since. I actually need hearing aids, and will need to eventually learn ASL, but it's a big reason I try to take care of my hearing, I don't have much left to lose.
I have Alpine earplugs with the strong filters for riding normally, and earbuds for when I need navigation. I don't ride without. I have both earplugs and a pair of earbuds that live in my riding backpack, so I can't forget them.
Once you have Tinnitus or hearing loss, that's it. It never comes back.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 1,420
From: Lost
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,884
Likes: 11,267
From: NE Ohio
when I wear a helmet (a modular) I notice the difference.
exhaust sound resonates inside..but it's wind noise that's most obnoxious with or without a lid
Random thoughts on why you didn't notice on sport bikes.
Head position differences on sport vs more upright?
Perception of something years past may not be accurate?
You were younger and didn't notice it/or affected by it?
One or all possible I'd "guess"
wear ear plugs.
You might hate them at first, but get used to them, and I suspect you'll find you're able to hear the sounds you need to hear on the road (sirens, horns, etc)
My pipes aren't loud or quiet, and going down the road, that's not what I notice.
It's the wind
Protect your hearing now.
when you're 60+ you'll be able to hear conversations more clearly in a crowded restaurant or pub
..L.T.A.
exhaust sound resonates inside..but it's wind noise that's most obnoxious with or without a lid
Random thoughts on why you didn't notice on sport bikes.
Head position differences on sport vs more upright?
Perception of something years past may not be accurate?
You were younger and didn't notice it/or affected by it?
One or all possible I'd "guess"
wear ear plugs.
You might hate them at first, but get used to them, and I suspect you'll find you're able to hear the sounds you need to hear on the road (sirens, horns, etc)
My pipes aren't loud or quiet, and going down the road, that's not what I notice.
It's the wind
Protect your hearing now.
when you're 60+ you'll be able to hear conversations more clearly in a crowded restaurant or pub
..L.T.A.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,736
Likes: 22,853
From: North Carolina
I wear Alpine MotoSafe ear plugs with all my helmets, 1/2, 3/4 and modular. Solved that issue for me. Finally got my wife wearing them also. Once she tried them she realized it improved the overall riding experience. Gets ride of all the wind, engine top end and extra noise, improves the tone Of the exhaust and the music is clear.
Read up on them.
Read up on them.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
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Likes: 2,457
Thank you for all the replies guys. I try to take care of my body, so I guess I will have to start liking earplugs. It's just so strange to experience this. I am going to take note if this happens at certain engine speeds. I don't remember it happening when I was on the freeway. I notice it when I am riding on the street at about 35mph.
@RANGER73 , I never tested positive for Covid, but I did have about 3 days where I felt "weird". I don't know if it was Covid or not. I didn't have high temps or anything, just felt weak. I couldn't get tested because they were all out. This was during the last variant when it came out. So who knows...I was probably just tired lol
@RANGER73 , I never tested positive for Covid, but I did have about 3 days where I felt "weird". I don't know if it was Covid or not. I didn't have high temps or anything, just felt weak. I couldn't get tested because they were all out. This was during the last variant when it came out. So who knows...I was probably just tired lol