Reduce Motorcycle Helmet Noise & Protect Your Hearing

Motorbike enthusiasts voice a common complaint: noise. Although noisy engines are par for the course when riding a motorbike, they potentially cause serious health issues, such as tinnitus and even permanent hearing loss. Safety helmets actually exacerbate the problem, reverberating lower sound waves (such as the growling engine) around the back of the helmet. Taking preventative steps to eliminate helmet noise could save your hearing in the long run.

Things You'll Need

• Ear plugs
• Motorcycle helmet

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Instructions

• 1

  Wear high-quality, properly fitted ear plugs. This is the most important way to cut down on helmet noise. Visit a specialist to get ear plugs specially manufactured. Avoid using generic ear plugs.

• 2

  Buy a helmet with neck padding that fits snugly around your neck. This should cut down on wind whipping up inside the helmet. Also, choose a helmet with as little space between the neck padding and back of the helmet--this will cut down on interior reverberation.

• 3

  Drive slower. This rule may sound counter-intuitive when riding a motorcycle, but it is one of the most effective ways to reduce helmet noise caused by roaring engines and wind tunnels.