Biking with Tinnitus
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 5
From: Massachusetts
Mine does flare up after a full day of riding. While I dont wear a helmet that covers my ears, and I will not wear ear plugs ( I need all my senses when riding ), I have started wearing a doo-rag that covers my ears and does help a little. Ive had tinnitus for many years now. Some days are worse than others, but mostly, Ive learned to deal with it. Most of the time, I dont even notice it, unless I pay attention to it, like right now. They are ringing like crazy, but once I get back into what I'm doing, and my attention is diverted, it wont be so noticable...
Good luck, dont let it get you down. Like you said, its a life long affliction, learn to deal with it.
Good luck, dont let it get you down. Like you said, its a life long affliction, learn to deal with it.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
I've had it for a number of years... who knows what from... sex, drugs, rock & roll? Power tools, too much caffiene, stress, aspirin, chocolate, alcohol? Maybe just from getting older.
Whatever the cause, my doc says it's VERY common... a LOT of people have ringing in the ears. Hearing tests can determine any hearing loss, and some hearing aids can be used as masking devices that generate white noise. But like everyone says, it's permanent and there appears to be no cure. Have to learn to ignore it.
But it is common knowledge that loud noise does affect hearing, and wind noise on uncovered or unplugged ears, like jet noise in an airplane, is a lot louder than most people realize.
So I always ride with custom molded earplugs, to protect my remaining hearing. I have full-face helmets but I prefer various half-shell and beanie ones. The earplugs don't block out all noise 100%, but they knock it down by a lot more than the cheap foam earplugs do. But those foam ones are better than nothing. Putting earplugs in initially makes me notice the ringing more because the outside noise isn't there to mask it, but then it equalizes out and I can ignore it again after awhile.
Whatever the cause, my doc says it's VERY common... a LOT of people have ringing in the ears. Hearing tests can determine any hearing loss, and some hearing aids can be used as masking devices that generate white noise. But like everyone says, it's permanent and there appears to be no cure. Have to learn to ignore it.
But it is common knowledge that loud noise does affect hearing, and wind noise on uncovered or unplugged ears, like jet noise in an airplane, is a lot louder than most people realize.
So I always ride with custom molded earplugs, to protect my remaining hearing. I have full-face helmets but I prefer various half-shell and beanie ones. The earplugs don't block out all noise 100%, but they knock it down by a lot more than the cheap foam earplugs do. But those foam ones are better than nothing. Putting earplugs in initially makes me notice the ringing more because the outside noise isn't there to mask it, but then it equalizes out and I can ignore it again after awhile.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
I'm one of the lucky ones - had it since childhood and can't ever remember not having it. I wear ear plugs to cut down the wind surge. It hasn't stopped me from listening to loud music. My hearing ain't what it used to be, so the increased ringing doesn't last for hours on end like it used to.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Netherlands (Europe)
Overwhelming all your reply's. Many thanks for that. Really. The will to ride and to conquer the tinnitus will make it, in the end durable. I've planned to actually get my new ride delivered in june 2010, so i have month's to get settled with my "noises" and i do notice i'm climbing up again. That's good! Indeed, when i'm tiered the sound is worse. But the new HD will most probably give me enough positive energy to ride again and really enjoy doing so. All your warm reply's contributed to that. Again thanks.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Factorys, shooting, mowing, loud pipes, jack hammers, air tools, wifes-ooops how that slip in there......can and will damage Ur ears without protection....
I wear one plug in my right ear while riding at thats the side where my pipes are..
I wear one plug in my right ear while riding at thats the side where my pipes are..
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
One last 'note' on T: forget all those products that claim relief or cure. I've wasted some of my $ already so save yours. When something really works the pharma/medical monopoly will have full control (in the USA, at least) and offer by doctor visit and Rx only... but even so I hope that happens soon.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 38
From: The real N.CA (not S.F. Bay Area)
I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. A lot of us have been waiting several decades with no relief. As they say in the Marine Corps, "Expect the best, but be prepared for the worst".
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 19
From: Sunshine State
Wow! Great post! I've had it for about 34yrs., 25yrs. of drumming and 12yrs. sitting next to jet engines will certainly do the deed.
I agree with what's been posted, excellent info for those "new" to this, you're not alone.
When I'm tired it's more noticeable, long rides make it more noticeable and sometimes the late night silence makes it more noticeable. At least I haven't lost hearing and my ENT once even told me at what frequency +/- my ringing is. Got it on both antennas.
Most of the time I tune it out unless I read a thread like this one ...lol
Since theres no cure, it's not fatal or crippling and it doesn't affect my gonads I deal with it and live normally, why not, theres a lot worst out there.
Music, tv and exhaust notes help, a lot!
Thanks for sharing guys!
I agree with what's been posted, excellent info for those "new" to this, you're not alone.
When I'm tired it's more noticeable, long rides make it more noticeable and sometimes the late night silence makes it more noticeable. At least I haven't lost hearing and my ENT once even told me at what frequency +/- my ringing is. Got it on both antennas.
Most of the time I tune it out unless I read a thread like this one ...lol
Since theres no cure, it's not fatal or crippling and it doesn't affect my gonads I deal with it and live normally, why not, theres a lot worst out there.
Music, tv and exhaust notes help, a lot!
Thanks for sharing guys!
Last edited by vickon; Nov 14, 2009 at 06:08 PM.