For many, riding a motorcycle is synonymous with the freedom of the open road. As exhilarating as this form of transportation often is, it can result in hearing loss without the right preventive care. Learn more about motorcycles and hearing problems here, including how to protect yourself. 

Why Motorcycles Are Bad For Your Hearing

Motorcycles are typically easy to distinguish among other vehicles because of their loud engines that create noise pollution, especially in normally-quiet residential areas. And while many of today’s motorcycles are designed to be relatively quiet, their engines are not the main cause of riders’ hearing loss. Wind noise caused by “air turbulence” around the rider’s head or helmet as they drive down streets and highways causes hearing problems. Riders who do not wear helmets are naturally more susceptible to wind noise, with hearing damage occurring after about 30 minutes of riding. 

The stereocilia, or hair follicles, in the inner ears are susceptible to high sound pressure created by wind noise and other factors, such as race car engines. The faster the rider goes, the louder the wind noise is, which risks greater stereocilia damage. Once these hairs are affected, the damage cannot be reversed and hearing problems such as tinnitus, or ear ringing, can occur. 

Ways to Protect Yourself 

Wearing a helmet with built-in noise canceling features, such as inflatable noise-reduction muffs, protects your hearing while riding. Shell helmets, or those that cover the top of the head only, do not offer hearing protection, nor do they protect your face in the event of an accident. 

Should you own a full-face helmet that does not include noise canceling technology, invest in quality foam ear plugs to reduce wind noise. Avoiding highways that require riding at faster speeds whenever you can also helps protect your hearing. 

If you suspect hearing loss from riding a motorcycle or anything else, schedule an appointment at Solbrig Hearing Center in Kerrville, TX. Offering hearing tests and hearing aids, this center also sells ear protection products and repairs listening devices of all kinds. Call (830) 895-5900 today to make your appointment or review the complete service list online.