Perfectionist - what helmet issue?
Do you protect your hearing?
My Dad's hearing has been bad for a while and he recently had to get hearing aids. I'm a relatively young man and I know I have not used proper hearing protection throughout my life. This audio stuff is a wonderful thing and something I'd like to enjoy my entire life, so I have been more aware of noise in my everyday life. My job requires me to work in a sometimes loud environment and my other hobby is woodworking. For about the last 5 years or so, I have made a conscious effort to wear hearing protection when I'm in such an environments. Just recently I started to use hearing protection while cutting the grass, something I wouldn't have considered in the past. Has your interest in audio caused you to be more aware of hearing protection or am I the only anal one here?
Showing 4 responses by rex
Actually, a loud exhaust on a motorcycle does not usually affect the rider (driver) anymore than a loud exhaust on a car or truck affects the driver. The exhaust is pointed AWAY from the vehicle operator. The reason many motorcyclists and Harley bikers wear earplugs is because of the damaging effects of wind noise. Without protection, wind noise at 60 mph can cause you to quickly and permanently lose hearing acuity. Going helmetless or wearing one of those stupid little Harley half-shell caps leaves the ears totally exposed. Even full-coverage helmets don't offer complete protection against the damaging effects of wind noise, so smart motorcyclists wear full-coverage helmets AND earplugs. |
Loud pipes save about as many lives as loud car stereos. http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/safety/safety40.htm |
Perfectionist - it's not an "issue" for disagreement. It's a fact. Tests have been performed - results have been documented. The level of wind noise in even the best full-coverage helmet is high enough that riding for several hours at speed will cause hearing damage unless supplementary ear protection (i.e. earplugs) are used. The helmet alone is not enough. |