Earplugs: The argument for wearing hearing protection

Riding a motorcycle creates a lot of noise, even when wearing a full-face helmet. Depending on the circumstances and a helmet's design, wearing a helmet may actually increase the noise level.

Longtime bike enthusiasts will tell you stories about hearing loss and a very annoying and constant ringing in the ears (tinitus). Studies have shown that "white noise" from the wind and the road can be more harmful than a jet engine. I think that many bikers don't understand the damage that riding without hearing protection will cause.

Wearing earplugs, properly, can greatly reduce the noise level of riding. They can help save your hearing and also reduce some of the stresses of long-distance riding. Remember, once your hearing is lost, it is lost forever.

Wearing earplugs while riding will make your ride much more enjoyable. If you've never worn them -- or only wear them occassionally -- you won't believe how much less stressful it is to ride without wind noise. And earplugs can make a noisy helmet much quieter.

DID YOU KNOW: That even when wearing a full face helmet, the wind noise alone may exceed the OSHA regulations for industrial noise exposure? Based on several research studies, the major contributor to hearing loss in the motorcycle industry is wind noise. Even riding at a speed of 65mph can produce wind noise levels in excess of 103dB. Over time, this noise is loud enough to cause permanent ear damage. Imagine what you are doing to your hearing if you can't even hear the wind over those straight pipes you put on your motorcycle!

Get the facts at: www.freehearingtest.com/hia_motorcyclefacts.shtml

If you don’t currently ride with earplugs, please consider doing so.

This link has everything you need to know about earplugs and motorcycling: www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm

Like Nike says: JUST DO IT!