Hearing Protection and Traffic Safety for Motorcyclists
Temperatures are finally rising, and May—with its many holidays—is drawing many people back to their motorcycles. However, noise levels—especially from wind noise—are a serious issue that can cause permanent damage to our hearing. In this article, you’ll learn what motorcyclists need to keep in mind and how hearing loss affects road safety.
Safety for Motorcyclists
For many motorcycle enthusiasts, riding a motorcycle means freedom. As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, these two-wheeled companions are readied for a new season and the gear is dusted off. But anyone who rides a motorcycle frequently and reaches high speeds should be aware of the dangers. Motorcyclists face a variety of challenges on the road, one of which is the question: Does riding a motorcycle put your hearing at risk? Especially at high speeds and over extended periods, the noise levels to which motorcyclists are exposed can be considerable and potentially lead to hearing loss.
How does the noise from riding a motorcycle affect your hearing? Start of form
It can get quite loud under a motorcycle helmet. The most significant source of noise is the wind, which can cause hearing damage without proper protection. As a result, hearing problems are not uncommon among motorcyclists. Approximately 6% of motorcycle instructors suffer from hearing loss; in racing, 40% of riders have hearing damage.¹
The legally mandated maximum noise level in workplaces is 85 dB.² If the average noise level at the workplace exceeds 80 decibels, companies must provide their employees with hearing protection. Hearing protection is mandatory for all activities involving higher noise levels. Individuals who already have hearing loss of more than 40 dB should use appropriate hearing protection starting at a noise level of 80 dB.²
Wind noise while riding a motorcycle at a speed of 100 km/h already reaches 94 dB. This means that prolonged exposure to this level of noise can cause permanent hearing damage. So anyone who rides a motorcycle frequently would be well advised to take their hearing health seriously and equip themselves accordingly.³
What safety precautions should you take when riding a motorcycle?
Some people are already familiar with this: After a motorcycle ride, you suddenly notice a ringing or whistling in your ear. This could be an early warning sign of hearing loss, most likely caused by high noise exposure from wind noise and engine noise. If you suspect you may have hearing loss, you should have your hearing checked as soon as possible. A hearing test can quickly and easily determine whether there is any hearing damage. With our convenient search tool, you can easily find a qualified hearing care professional or ENT specialist near you at any time.
As a preventive measure, there are special earplugs designed to protect your hearing while riding. This helps improve your concentration while riding, as it keeps the stress-inducing noise level within manageable limits. As a result, neither your coordination nor your sense of safety on the road is compromised. For traffic safety, it’s important that motorcyclists can still hear sufficiently even while wearing hearing protection. In traffic situations that require a quick reaction, warning signals must still be clearly audible. Comfort also plays a major role in your ability to concentrate.
Specialized hearing protection for motorcyclists is available in stores, or you can have custom hearing protection made at a specialist shop. Well-fitting hearing protection counteracts the high background noise levels while riding and thus protects your hearing.
How can motorcyclists ride safely in traffic despite hearing loss?
Motorcyclists with hearing loss often feel less safe because their spatial hearing may also be impaired. Fitting them with hearing aids can greatly increase their sense of safety on the road. According to the 2022 EuroTrak Germany Hearing Study, 71% of hearing aid users feel safer in urban environments since they started using hearing aids.
In addition, there are special communication and vibration systems built into motorcycle helmets. These facilitate communication with other road users and provide early warnings of important traffic situations. There are also special riding training programs where people with hearing loss can learn safety-enhancing (riding) techniques.
In addition, all road users should have their hearing checked annually. This ensures both their own safety and that of other road users, as it allows appropriate measures to be taken in a timely manner if necessary.
