According to multiple studies, motorcycle enthusiasts risk hearing loss not so much from loud pipes as from wind noise. Every time you ride without adequate ear protection, you can incur more damage until you finally have irreversible hearing loss. When the sound level is over 100 dB, hearing loss begins after about two hours of exposure, but when the noise level goes over 115 dB, that time plummets to fifteen minutes.
Even the most “noise conscious” helmets produce wind noise readings of 110 to 116 dB at all speeds, from 35 mph to highway speeds. That means you risk hearing damage after only 15 minutes of riding.
Audiologists also warn about Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS), where short-term exposure to loud noise causes a temporary loss of hearing. Repeated episodes of TTS can result in permanent hearing loss.
Helmets alone won't solve the problem. Open or closed vents, internal padding, and external weather stripping make no significant difference in noise levels. The brand you ride or your riding style also doesn't matter.
However, earplugs can make a huge difference and they cost less than $7.00. Consider our Eagle Leather Hi-Fidelity Earplugs with Travel Case (2 Sets), comparable to Eargasm earplugs. Check out our selection of helmet accessories for protective gear. Our Eagle Leather sales staff are here to help you find the right choice.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
