Is your helmet responsible your hearing loss?

Gas Man · 11-08-2011, 09:25 PM

Have you even considered hearing protection on your bike? I do!

Quote:

Are Motorcycle Helmets Responsible For Hearing Loss?

Published by Cyril Huze

New twist in the debate regarding motorcycling with or without helmets. Not about freedom of choice, not about health and safety benefits, not about DOT etc…

New studies published in The Journal Of The Acoustical Society Of America warn that if helmets can protect your brain they can also largely contribute to hearing loss.
Results show that the biggest and most dangerous source of noise is not the roar of your engine, but your helmet acting as a special air filter attenuating noise in the region above 500 Hz and amplifying noise in the regions below 500 Hz. Even at legal speeds, the sound of air rushing in areas underneath the helmet and near the chin bar can exceed safe levels.
For demonstration purpose, scientists placed motorcycles helmets atop mannequin heads, mounted them in a wind tunnel, and turned on the fans. By placing microphones at different locations around the helmet and at the mannequin’s ear, the researchers found that is a significant source of the noise that reaches riders” sensitive eardrums. It is the 1st time that the acoustic effect of helmets has been reported. These findings may incite or oblige, if governments get involved, helmet manufacturers to design quieter helmets and use the “riders’ ears protection” as a new marketing tool.

I know that I have a "road trip" helmet which is a full face modular. I have it setup with headphones inside the helmet that work through my HD audio system. I also have it equipped with a Sena system. The modular allows me to close it in cold, rain, and to quiet down the wind.

This also allows me to not have to wear ear plugs.

Have you considered your ears when choosing your helmet?

pauldun170 · 11-08-2011, 09:55 PM

I wear earplugs. Helmets suck at protecting hearing

Cutty72 · 11-08-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauldun170

I wear earplugs. Helmets suck at protecting hearing

This.

I prefer a well ventilated helmet. Ventilation means airflow, airflow means noise.

Earplugs take away the issue.

Particle Man · 11-08-2011, 10:06 PM

What?

I too wear earplugs or noise canceling earbuds

Homeslice · 11-08-2011, 10:41 PM

Even with earplugs, some helmets are unbearable on long trips because of the vents or a visor that doesn't seal properly.

Corey · 11-08-2011, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauldun170

I wear earplugs. Helmets suck at protecting hearing

This, every time I ride. My hearing is still pretty good after 15 years of riding.

askmrjesus · 11-08-2011, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Particle Man

What?

He said:

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED YOUR EARS WHEN CHOOSING YOUR HELMET?

JC

Particle Man · 11-08-2011, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by askmrjesus

He said:

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED YOUR EARS WHEN CHOOSING YOUR HELMET?

JC

Huh? Here's a moving hamlet?

quackPOT · 11-09-2011, 12:10 AM

No, I rely on foam earplugs or a pair of etymotic er6i stereo buds to regulate the noise my ears have to endure. I learned the value/comfort of ear plugs a long time ago.

derf · 11-09-2011, 12:18 AM

I generally use ear plugs on anything longer than a quick run around the block. local stuff I won't.

But I do have some hearing loss in my right ear, and I have been diagnosed with tinnitus. I believe that it has more to do with my profession than it does bikes. i used to run around shooting stuff, rifles, cannons, and stuff without earplus because I thought it was cool. Now I am seeing the error of my ways.

View Poll Results: Do you consider your ears in relation to your helmet choice?
Yes	5	25.00%
No	11	55.00%
Other (please explain)	4	20.00%
Voters: 20. You may not vote on this poll

11-08-2011, 10:06 PM	#4
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	What? I too wear earplugs or noise canceling earbuds __________________ I'm not "fat." I'm "Enlarged to show texture." Handle every stressful situation like a DOG: If you can't eat it or hump it, pi$$ on it & walk away.

11-09-2011, 12:18 AM	#10
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	I generally use ear plugs on anything longer than a quick run around the block. local stuff I won't. But I do have some hearing loss in my right ear, and I have been diagnosed with tinnitus. I believe that it has more to do with my profession than it does bikes. i used to run around shooting stuff, rifles, cannons, and stuff without earplus because I thought it was cool. Now I am seeing the error of my ways. __________________

11-08-2011, 10:41 PM	#5
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	Even with earplugs, some helmets are unbearable on long trips because of the vents or a visor that doesn't seal properly.

11-09-2011, 12:10 AM	#9
quackPOT Grand Master Fu Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Treasure Valley, ID USA Moto: Ducati Multistrada GT Posts: 90	No, I rely on foam earplugs or a pair of etymotic er6i stereo buds to regulate the noise my ears have to endure. I learned the value/comfort of ear plugs a long time ago.