How Motorcycle Earplugs Protect Your Hearing

Most riders protect the obvious things first.

Some compare jackets.

Some people take weeks to choose gloves or riding boots to purchase.

However, few people consider protecting their hearing.

It's surprising since your ears are working just as hard as the rest of your body when you are on your motorcycle.

The weird thing about your motorcycle is that it's not necessarily the biggest problem.

It's usually the wind!

After you get going, the wind whistling around you's a constant din. During your ride, your brain will get used to it slowly and it might not be noticeable right away. The real problem comes later. Riding for a long time (or for hours) can take its toll on you.

That's where motorcycle hearing protection will have a positive impact.

It's Usually the Wind, Not the Engine

Loud exhausts are often cited as a cause of hearing issues.

Engine noise is a factor, but helmet noise and wind are typically the more significant factors in normal riding situations.

The wind blasting around the helmet produces a constant noise at highway speeds. Even a high-quality helmet won't totally eliminate it.

You might have seen things such as:

• Ears that buzz or ring once the ride is over
• Feeling unusually tired
• A mild headache following long stretches of highway driving
• Needing a little quiet once you get home

These are just part of riding, many riders say.

They're not.

These are indicators that they've had to work harder than they should have.

Damage to the Hearing Doesn't Occur Overnight

It's not a typical thing that one ride is too loud.

It's the hundreds or thousands of rides that follow.

People may not notice a change in their hearing until it becomes harder to understand conversations or there begins to be a buzzing, or ringing, in the ears that won't go away.

That's why hearing damage prevention is so important.

Taking care of your hearing now is much simpler than coping with any permanent damage years from now.

The Purpose of Riding Earplugs

High-quality earplugs reduce wind noise while allowing you to hear what's important, such as:

• Traffic around you
• Vehicle horns
• Emergency sirens
• Your motorcycle's engine
• Helmet intercoms

The Ability to Focus Can Be Improved When Less Noise Is Present

It's surprising how fatiguing wind noise can be after a few hours on the road.

Your brain is constantly filtering that sound as you are riding each second.

This extra effort is cumulative.

With reduced background noise, riders can concentrate better on their ride, particularly on extended trips.

One of those changes that you don't realise until you go through it yourself.

What's More Important Than Comfort?

Long rides aren't only hard on your back or shoulders.

Noise is also a factor.

Minimizing helmet noise can leave you feeling noticeably fresher at the end of the day.

Many riders state they still enjoy riding exactly the same, only they don't come in "knocked out."

The Reasons to Use Reusable Earplugs

Regularly using foam ear-plugs is not long-term comfortable.

This is why many riders prefer reusable earplugs.

They're comfortable, easy to clean and designed to fit comfortably under a helmet.

Buy a good pair, take care of them, and they'll last for many rides.

Selecting the Correct Motorcycle Hearing Protection

Not all ear plugs are specifically designed for riding.

When purchasing the following is worth looking out for:

• A nice, snug helmet fit under your helmet
• Reusable material
• Easy cleaning
• The sounds that are important can be heard, but noise is reduced
• A motorcycle specific design

A good fit is as important as good hearing protection!

Final Thoughts

All riders understand the advantages of wearing a helmet.

The majority would not hesitate to wear gloves when going outside.

Taking care of your hearing should be taken seriously too.

Riding earplugs can help minimize wind noise and helmet noise and contribute to the prevention of long-term hearing damage.

Though it's one of the smallest additions you can make to your riding wardrobe, it may be one that you'll be thankful for years down the road.