| Ear plugs come in a wide range of materials for a | | | | Compare it to the sound of a circular saw. It's the |
| variety of uses. Motorcycle ear plugs differ from | | | | same. That is a very marked increase and really |
| other kinds of hearing protection ear plugs for | | | | puts the neural pathways from your ear to your |
| good reason. The main problem relating to the ear | | | | brain at risk of being permanently damaged. |
| is wind frequencies. Sometimes, even a full-face | | | | Not only is excessive noise potentially damaging, it |
| motorcycle helmet can cause the noise level of | | | | is also stressful. Why put yourself at risk and |
| wind to increase significantly. | | | | diminish the fun and the thrill of the ride when you |
| It is obvious that riding a motorcycle is a very | | | | don't have to? There are a large selection of ear |
| noisy experience. Wind, engine noise, and the | | | | plugs developed specifically for motorcyclists that |
| muffler all contribute to noise levels that can be | | | | allow you the freedom of choice to find just the |
| harmful to one's hearing. Good ear protection | | | | right kind for your ear size and needs. |
| tailored to the motorcyclist offers not only a | | | | Try out different brands of ear plugs until you |
| more enjoyable ride, it is very important to | | | | find the right ones. Make sure they fit |
| ensure the safety of your hearing. Don't forget | | | | comfortably and don't interfere with your helmet |
| that once your hearing is gone via nerve damage | | | | liner. If you don't like the feel or the fit, try |
| (sensorineural damage), it's gone for good. | | | | another brand. A helmet alone cannot offer |
| To get an idea of the noise levels and the | | | | enough ear protection and it is important that you |
| potential damage that can be caused, let's take a | | | | find an ear plug that works for you. |
| look at a few facts. OSHA standards require ear | | | | Some manufacturers offer sample packs. These |
| protection for noise levels over 85 decibels. | | | | are good to start out with because you can try |
| Increasing that by 5 decibels makes a noticeable | | | | the different kinds in the pack to find out which |
| difference in hearing. Ear protection devices carry | | | | works best for you. Make sure the fit is correct |
| a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). You should | | | | to ensure you are getting maximum benefit from |
| always check this rating. | | | | the motorcycle ear plugs' NRR rating. An ear plug |
| The average noise level a motorcyclist is | | | | with a high NRR rating that doesn't fit well will not |
| subjected to at just 50 mph is 90 decibels. | | | | offer as much protection as one that does fit |
| Increasing the speed to 60 mph raises the noise | | | | properly but has a lower NRR rating. |
| level to 100 decibels. How loud is 100 decibels? | | | | |