More on riding and hearing loss

[Swabby]

This thread always manages to go south doesn't it and really quick. LMAO

[ELVIN.]

yea--south for the winter.

[Biker Chick]

I have major problems with my ears, the sounds when driving would drive me NUTS as if I'm not NUTS enough as is hehe so I started wearing the disposable kind, I liked them well enough but I have to say the ones Jet gave me last time he was in SA are the best. They really fit tight and it does reduce the noise of the wind. I forgot to put them on the last time we rode on the last leg of our trip, we only went about 5 miles and I was signaling to JP to stop STAT so I could put those little suckers in haha
I have had what I like to call * Dizzy Spells * had 3 occurrence the past year, so much so my doctor sent me for a Brain MRI thinking there was something wrong, luckily that was ruled out as I have NOTHING between both ears haha kidding aside I got a clean MRI ...so he tells me it's probably inner ear infection, I never had one my whole life, could it be contributed to the noise I got used to while riding not sure, but it could have had an effect, so now I go nowhere until I plug those little suckers in, ask Jet and Biker Lady hehehe

[Mer]

It never ceases to amaze me how LOUD everything is if I accidently forget to put my earplugs in.  Actually gives me a headache plus I get worn out much quicker.

[The Colonel]

My hearing aids have a remote control and sometimes I loan my key ring to "FRIENDS"????? who will turn my aids off and then mouth words like they are talking....  Funny   NOT!!!!

I often listen to my Zune, a CD or the radio while I'm riding.  As my speed increases i find myself turning the volume up louder and louder.  That is probably as bad as the bike noise. 

Besides.... Those Rineharts shur do sound sweet.
Remember,  The reason God made flatulents smell is so that deaf people (old bikers) can enjoy them too.

[CorStrages]

I have heard that wearing headphones, earbuds, ear plugs and other ear protection can cause the bacteria and germs in your ears to build up, so dont forget to clean out your ears after you ride with earplugs? :)

[JORENO]

I'm not running baffles, but my pipes are designed for it "Hooker Step-tuned". If your not running baffles, you could be loosing some serious torque!, I might be loosing some. Run your bike with and without, you will probably see it runs better with! Everyone says my bike sound's really good, just don't get behind me. The Lady and Myself don't here it because the pipes extend to the rear of the tire. We can talk to eachother while cruising. The wind sometimes bothers my ears at 70-75. I wear earplugs when I sleep. See the PIC on pipe placement. Did I go south?

Huh, Huh, What did you say! LOL

[Swabby]

From what I understand the wind noise does more damage to your hearing than the sound from your pipes. I am pretty sure I read that somewhere, I know no told me because I couldn't hear them anyway.

[JORENO]

This is a quote:
Does Wind Noise From Riding A Motorcycle Cause Tinnitus?
By julius On January 23, 2009 Under Ringing In Ears, Tinnitus Questions, Tinnitus Relief
Tinnitus is a medical disorder characterized by an incessant buzzing, cracking, whistling and ringing in the ears.   It may be brought forth by a number of factors, ranging from frequent exposure to workplace noises and extremely loud music.  However, some are asking, does wind noise from riding a motorcycle cause tinnitus?  Motorcycle industry experts agree that, based on years of research, wind noise is a major contributor to a number of illnesses, which include tinnitus.  Wind noise is commonly referred to as the amount of noise turbulence created around the head as the motorcycle rider is in motion. Researchers have agreed that among the inherited consequences of wind noise include  irreversible hearing loss, as well as damage to the auditory canals and nerves of the inner ear, especially when a motorcycle driver fails to wear adequate protective head gear.

The issue of hearing disorders like tinnitus are often discussed within the motorcycle industry, as well as by the firearms and aviation industries, because if the issues of hearing loss are not properly addressed, the amount of damage caused by exposure of the inner ear is by destructive sound, will further increase every time a motorcycle rider rides on his or her bike, even for only a few hours. Does wind noise from riding a motorcycle cause tinnitus? Yes it does, notes motorcycle safety experts.  These experts also argue that the constant duration of harmful levels of noise slowly makes the rider lose his or her ability to hear.

Motorcycle safety analysts agree that an average rider should only be surrounded by noise levels of around 85-90 decibels during a typical eight-hour work day.  However, when the sound levels exceed 100 decibels, then the person’s exposure to noise should be reduced to just two hours. Motorcycle safety advocates contend that typical wind noise at highway speeds usually measure up to 103 decibels, which are comparable to the noise created by a running chainsaw. When exposed to these sound levels, the motorcycle rider is not only physically fatigued from being exposed to excessive noise, but also may require the driver to wear a hearing aid later in life.

Does wind noise from riding a motorcycle cause tinnitus? If it does real harm to the rider, then what are the effective tinnitus relief methods? Health experts agree that when the driver is not wearing a helmet, the projected wind noise during highway speeds is nearly 10 times greater than when the rider wears a full-face or full-coverage helmet.

Riders should know that below 30 miles per hour, he/she is constantly exposed to machine, exhaust and environmental noises. And once the motorcycle reaches speeds of more than 30mph, and then wind noise should serve as the next threat.  It would be good if drivers wear a full-coverage helmet to help reduce the negative effects of wind noise, and regularly visit their doctor for a comprehensive audiological examination.

[OV]

Uhhhh, could you speak up a little?

[blatherbeard]

Ive actually noticed that i get MORE noise from my half helmet wearing than if i just went lidless.  I guess ill be picking up that 3/4 with shield for another good reason other than just getting sick of getting frost face and getting hit with rocks ;)