Ear Plugs
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 1
From: Wpg, Mb, Canada
I took the decibel meter from work one day and put it on the tank console while I was on the highway at 60 mph. Radio on at a reasonable level. Care to guess the reading at cruise speed? 90 db. I don't recall the scale the meter used, but I'll do that test again tomorrow if I remember.
As for ear plugs. Yes I wear them. More so when I'm riding with others. I got tired of my head pounding every time they rolled on the throttle. The music even sounds better with the plugs in.
Here's an interesting article I read a while back.....
http://www.zianet.com/rcmedic/know.asp
As for ear plugs. Yes I wear them. More so when I'm riding with others. I got tired of my head pounding every time they rolled on the throttle. The music even sounds better with the plugs in.
Here's an interesting article I read a while back.....
http://www.zianet.com/rcmedic/know.asp
Stage I
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Back in the day a lot of us were clueless about the noise damage, but you gotta be crazy to not wear ear plugs knowing what we know now. I have friends that have ringing in their ears that never goes away and they say it is horrible to live with. I use earplugs from www.macksearplugs.com . They will help cut down the air noise and I think you can actually hear better in some ways while wearing them. You don't need to buy those expensive custom plugs. I have both and only use my Mack's plugs. They're comfy, effective, and if I lose them, it's no biggie to replace them.
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 77
From: NW Ontario
"Based on several research studies, the major contributor to hearing loss in the motorcycle industry remains the "silent killer" known as "wind noise." Generically termed as the amount of noise turbulence produced around the head while the rider is in motion. Its inherited consequences result in irreversible hearing loss damage over a period of time when adequate hearing protection is not worn.
Another common ailment of motorcycle riding is a condition known as "Temporary Threshold Shift," commonly referred to as TTS by audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals. TTS is caused by excessive noise exposure for a duration of time, which drops your actual acute hearing pattern to a lower level temporarily. Meaning, your hearing is less than what it was before the initial exposure. Continuous TTS exposure will result in permanent damage.
Everyone has experienced this phenomenon at one time or another, whether it is from going to loud dance halls, or concerts, or even work. Even some of today's movie theatres can cause this to happen, but this is a specific certainty for motorcyclists who disregard adequate hearing protection while riding their bike.
Legal speeds of 65mph can produce wind noise levels at 103dB SPL, (chainsaw, pneumatic drill). This noise is loud enough to cause TTS in your hearing, tinnitus and permanent ear damage.
At these levels the rider is not only fatiguing physically from the excess noise exposure, but it also puts him into a position of needing a hearing aid later in life. "
Another common ailment of motorcycle riding is a condition known as "Temporary Threshold Shift," commonly referred to as TTS by audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals. TTS is caused by excessive noise exposure for a duration of time, which drops your actual acute hearing pattern to a lower level temporarily. Meaning, your hearing is less than what it was before the initial exposure. Continuous TTS exposure will result in permanent damage.
Everyone has experienced this phenomenon at one time or another, whether it is from going to loud dance halls, or concerts, or even work. Even some of today's movie theatres can cause this to happen, but this is a specific certainty for motorcyclists who disregard adequate hearing protection while riding their bike.
Legal speeds of 65mph can produce wind noise levels at 103dB SPL, (chainsaw, pneumatic drill). This noise is loud enough to cause TTS in your hearing, tinnitus and permanent ear damage.
At these levels the rider is not only fatiguing physically from the excess noise exposure, but it also puts him into a position of needing a hearing aid later in life. "
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I tried ear plugs this week because my ears were ringing on long trips above 70mph. I wear a full face helmet without the face sheild, so I do get some protection.
I was amazed how much noise the plugs blocked. In fact, the only thing I could hear was my radio. I also could not hear other cars, my exhaust, engine or the dog I almost hit. While I did get use to it, I think I need a little more noise.
So I found that I will ue them when riding 75mph for an hour or more, otherwise I will rely on the protection from the helmet.
Beary
I was amazed how much noise the plugs blocked. In fact, the only thing I could hear was my radio. I also could not hear other cars, my exhaust, engine or the dog I almost hit. While I did get use to it, I think I need a little more noise.
So I found that I will ue them when riding 75mph for an hour or more, otherwise I will rely on the protection from the helmet.
Beary
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 6
From: Vermont
I've been using Microsonic custom ear plugs for a while. They cost $60.00. They stay in my ear better than the foam plugs and because they are custom fit, they are much more comfortable. They are very effective in reducing wind noise which allows me to hear music, etc. better.
The link below will show if there is a nearby audiologist who can make a pair for you.
http://www.earmolds.com/partners.php
The link below will show if there is a nearby audiologist who can make a pair for you.
http://www.earmolds.com/partners.php
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
Noise is just vibrations....which if wearing a half helmet the wind is causing a ton of them. Be safe and save your hearing and be more comfortable on your ride with no reverb occurring, besides with plugs you actually can hear your tunes, exhaust, and other traffic better.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
