Noise Defenders for Motorcyclists | Discover Hearing
Everything You Need to Know About Noise Defenders for Motorcyclists
When you’re riding your motorcycle, experiencing the thrill of the scenery rushing past and the freedom of the open road stretching out in front of you, the last thing on your mind is probably your hearing health.
If you’ve never considered hearing protection while motorcycling, it’s time to start. With wind noise, motorcycle engines and surrounding traffic creating potentially harmful noise levels, taking steps to protect your hearing before suiting up for a ride will both guard your long-term hearing health and enhance your riding experience.
Why Are Noise Defenders for Motorcyclists Important?
One of the leading causes of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss. If you are regularly exposed to loud noise for prolonged periods of time because of your job or hobbies, the delicate hair cells in your inner ear can become damaged. This kind of hearing loss is often overlooked in the early stages and can be irreversible. That is why wearing hearing protection for motorcyclists is so important.
Wind noise is an especially important consideration for riders. At highway speeds, turbulent air moving around your helmet can create sustained noise exposure. Even a full-face motorcycle helmet may not provide enough hearing protection on its own, making properly fitted ear protection an important addition for frequent or long-distance riders.
Besides motorcycles, noise-induced hearing loss can also result from repeated exposure to chainsaws, pneumatic drills, rock concerts, gunshots, jet engines and lawnmowers, to name a few.
If you enjoy motorcycling or work in construction, a factory or other high-noise environment, it is important to have a yearly hearing evaluation to check for early signs of hearing loss and to take steps to protect your hearing.
Warning signs of excessive noise exposure can include ringing or buzzing in the ears, muffled hearing after a ride, difficulty understanding conversations or feeling as though sounds are temporarily dull. If you regularly notice these symptoms after riding, consider scheduling a hearing evaluation.
What Hearing Protection Options Are Best for Motorcyclists?
The hearing protection product that’s best for you will depend on your riding speed, environment and personal preferences. Comfort and proper fit are also important, especially if you regularly spend several hours on your motorcycle.
Here are three options to consider:
Noise Defenders
Also, known as earplugs, noise defenders for motorcyclists sit directly in the ear canal and protect your ears in high-noise environments by blocking out sounds. Depending on the materials and kind of earplug you choose, the cost and effectiveness of noise defenders will vary. Some motorcyclists may also find them less comfortable than other options, particularly on long rides. We recommend looking for models that are designed for motorcyclists, as these products will be more breathable and fit better under motorcycle helmets.
When comparing motorcycle earplugs, consider the product's Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), which provides an indication of how much sound reduction the hearing protection is designed to provide when worn correctly. Proper fit is essential to getting the intended level of protection.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earbuds
Noise-canceling headphones and earbuds are popular options for long rides, as they allow motorcyclists to listen to music while also reducing some external noise. However, noise-cancelling technology should not automatically be considered a substitute for proper hearing protection. Consumer headphones and earbuds vary considerably in how much noise they reduce and may not be designed to protect against sustained motorcycle and wind noise.
Riders also need to remain aware of important sounds around them, including traffic, horns and emergency vehicles. We recommend checking the level of protection the noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds provide before purchasing and selecting models that are appropriate for use while riding and compatible with your motorcycle helmet.
Custom Earplugs
Specifically designed to fit your ear, custom earplugs can provide excellent noise reduction and comfort thanks to their personalized fit. You won’t need to worry about the earplugs shifting as easily or causing discomfort on long rides. With proper care, custom earplugs and earmolds can last for several years before needing to be replaced, and some insurers may provide partial coverage.
Filtered custom earplugs can be particularly useful for motorcyclists because they can reduce harmful wind and road noise while allowing important environmental sounds to remain audible. This can provide a balance between hearing protection, comfort and situational awareness while riding.
Custom Hearing Protection in St. Albert
Discover Hearing offers custom hearing protection products in St. Albert that are ideal for motorcyclists, hunters, concert-goers or construction workers who need to regularly guard their hearing.
Our custom earplugs and earmolds can be customized with different filters to allow speech and important sounds to be heard while still reducing exposure to potentially hazardous noise levels. Get superior noise protection that’s tailored to your ear shape so you can focus on your activities without worrying about your hearing.
For motorcyclists in particular, custom hearing protection can provide a comfortable solution for reducing wind and road noise on both everyday rides and longer highway trips. Because the earplugs are made specifically for your ears, they can also provide a more secure fit underneath your motorcycle helmet.
Need advice on the best hearing protection options for your environment or level of noise exposure? Book a consultation with the hearing experts at Discover Hearing in St. Albert. We can help you determine the best option for your needs and also offer
hearing evaluations if you are regularly exposed to high noise levels.
Book an appointment with Discover Hearing today for custom hearing protection and audiometric evaluation services.
