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BATH, England, July 29 (UPI) -- Motorcycle helmets may protect bikers' brains but they also may contribute to hearing loss, researchers in Britain say.
Researchers at the University of Bath and Bath Spa University in England say the distinctive roar of a Harley's engine is loud, but studies have revealed the biggest source of noise for motorcyclists is actually generated by air whooshing over the riders' helmets. Even at legal speeds, the sound can exceed safe levels, the researchers say.
What a silly bit of "news". Of course the wind makes a lot of noise, but it does that whether one wears a helmet or not, and probably more without one. The wind noise doesn't bother me inside my helmet in any case, and my hearing is fine. I've been riding since 1967.
Yeh, it's typically the "buffeting" That comes from turbulent air separation around the helmet. Causing all types of noises, bad seals don't help either, with the high pitched whining. Earplugs are great for reducing the noise and saving your hearing...I just always worry about hearing an ambulance or other emergency vehicle when i have some in...it does make the ride nice and quiet though.
One of the few benefits of hearing loss , I'm deaf in one ear and have severe loss in the other (unrelated to riding). I wear a BTE (behind the ear) hearing aid (uses a full ear canal mold) and just turn the aid volume down when I ride. It still allows for high frequency sound (sirens, horns, etc.) to get through.
For those of you who don't have problems yet, the issue of riding and hearing damage does appear to real. I'd take precautions if I were you. JMO
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News, Motorcycle helmets may be hard on hearing.
