Anybody who has ever been near a motorcycle on the road knows that they can get pretty loud. Well, motorcycles are even louder for the people riding them. Not only are the riders closer to the bike’s engine noise, but they’re also exposed to dangerous wind noise levels.
Motorcycle noise varies by make, model and modifications, like removing the muffler, and wind noise gets louder the faster you go. Some studies estimate that the wind noise surrounding a motorcycle rider can reach levels upwards of 90 dB at 60 kilometers per hour (or 37.3 miles per hour) and 110 dB at 160 kilometers per hour (or 99 miles per hour).[1] If you add the volume of wind noise to the volume of the bike itself, the noise sits well past the threshold for hearing damage.
If you’re a motorcyclist, those numbers can sound scary. Luckily, there are a few ways to reduce your noise exposure for an ear-safe ride.
1. Wear Motorcycle Earplugs
You can purchase high-quality motorcycle earplugs with special filters or Bluetooth® that reduce noise while alerting you to traffic sounds, such as honking cars or pedestrians. You can find special earplugs online or, potentially, at a bike shop around Springfield.
2. Wear a Full-Coverage Helmet
A full-coverage helmet not only protects your face, neck and head from damage in the event of a crash but can also significantly reduce wind noise.
3. Shop for Quieter Bikes
If you’re new to the motorcycle game or are just looking for your next bike, prioritize models with quieter engines.
4. Slow Down
The faster you ride, the louder the wind noise will get. While it’s fun to zip around at top speed, taking five or ten mph off your speed can significantly reduce wind noise and protect your hearing for the long run.
Motorcycle rides don’t need to equal hearing loss. By following the above four tips, you can enjoy your ride with the knowledge that it isn’t coming at the cost of your hearing. For more information or to schedule a hearing test, contact ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia today.
[1] McCombe A. W. (2003). Hearing loss in motorcyclists: occupational and medicolegal aspects. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 96(1), 7–9. https://doi.org/10.1258/jrsm.96.1.7