Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience that offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure. However, it's important to address the issue of prolonged exposure to high noise levels, which can potentially lead to hearing damage over time.
Whether it's the roar of the engine, the rush of the wind, or the hum of traffic, these sounds can be both distracting and harmful. This guide explores the best earplugs designed specifically for motorcyclists, helping you protect your hearing while enjoying the thrill of the open road.
Sounds of a Motorbike
The loudness of a motorcycle can vary widely depending on its type, exhaust system, and any modifications made. Sound levels range from around 80 decibels (dB) for relatively quiet motorcycles to well over 100 dB for very loud ones. Official guidelines state that motorcycles must not exceed a noise limit of 86 dB when measured at a speed over 45 mph.
At 50 feet, the noise limit is 86 dB if the maximum lawful speed on the highway or street is greater than 35 mph, and 82 dB if the maximum lawful speed is not more than 35 mph. Stock motorcycles are designed to meet these noise regulations and generally stay within acceptable limits.
However, some riders modify their motorcycles with aftermarket exhaust systems or remove mufflers to increase sound output, which can significantly elevate the noise level.
Need for Hearing Protection
Protection should be used at anything over 85 dBA. You can listen to sounds at 70 dBA or lower for as long as you want without risking hearing damage. However, sounds at 85 dBA can lead to hearing loss if you listen to them for more than 8 hours. For every 3 dBA increase in sound levels, the amount of time you can safely listen is cut in half.
For example, you can listen to sounds at 85 dBA for up to 8 hours, but if the sound level goes up to 88 dBA, the safe listening time is reduced to 4 hours. At 91 dBA, the safe listening time further reduces to 2 hours. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and manage exposure to high noise levels to prevent hearing loss.
Noise and Hearing Loss
Ringing in your ears, or tinnitus, is an early sign of noise-induced hearing loss. There is no way to fix damaged hair cells.
Sound waves make your eardrum vibrate, which, in turn, causes the three middle ear bones to move and amplify the sound vibrations. These vibrations enter the inner ear or cochlea, which is filled with fluid and contains tiny hair cells. The movement of the fluid makes these hair cells move, converting the vibrations into electrical signals that travel to the brain through the hearing nerve. Healthy hair cells are essential for sending accurate signals to the brain, allowing us to recognize sounds and respond accordingly.
Damage to these hair cells can result in hearing loss. Loud sounds can cause significant fluid movement in the inner ear that damages the hair cells. Damaged hair cells struggle to send signals to the brain, with those responsible for high-pitched sounds being the first to suffer. This makes sounds like /t/ in "tin," /f/ in "sin," or /k/ in "kin" harder to hear. Both short, loud noises such as firecrackers, and prolonged exposure to loud sounds, like at rock concerts, can damage hair cells.
Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, is an early indicator of noise-induced hearing loss, and currently, there is no way to repair damaged hair cells.
Why Earplugs Could Be Useful
Earplugs are essential for protecting hearing health, especially in environments with high levels of noise. For motorcycle riders, earplugs can mitigate the harmful effects of wind noise and engine sounds, which can reach levels that potentially result in noise-induced hearing loss. By reducing the overall noise exposure, earplugs help preserve the integrity of the inner ear's hair cells, preventing long-term damage.
Additionally, earplugs can enhance focus and reduce fatigue by minimizing the distraction and strain caused by continuous loud noises. This allows riders to remain more alert and maintain concentration on the road, ultimately contributing to a safer riding experience.
Types of Earplugs for Motorcycle Riders
There are various types of earplugs available for motorcycle riders, each offering different levels of protection and comfort. Foam disposable earplugs are a popular choice due to their affordability and convenience. They are made of soft, compressible material that expands in the ear canal, effectively blocking out noise. However, they may not fit well for all ear sizes and can become uncomfortable after extended use.
Custom-molded earplugs are another option for motorcycle riders. These are individually fitted to a person's ears and provide better noise reduction compared to foam earplugs. They also tend to be more comfortable for long rides since they are specifically tailored to an individual's ear shape.
Another type of earplug often used by motorcyclists is filtered or musician's earplugs. These have specialized filters designed to block out harmful noises while still allowing the rider to hear important sounds like traffic signals and sirens. They are beneficial for riders who need to hear their surroundings but also want protection from loud noises.
You can find our comprehensive review of the top ear plugs available on the market here.
