University study suggests vibrations through helmets may affect hearing

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Academics at two universities in Bath are studying whether wearing motorcycle helmets can cause hearing damage. Dr Michael Carey and Dr Nigel Holt are studying how much noise is transmitted through the helmet.

Dr Carley said "The noise inside the helmet at the legal speed of 70 mph is higher than the legal limit for noise at work – more than enough to cause serious hearing damage. The issue isn't noisy engines or loud exhausts as you may think. The noise is simply from the airflow over the helmet,” adding that earplugs will not help much with this kind of noise, as it is transferred to the inner ear from the rider’s bones.

Dr Holt added "This isn't about putting people off riding or wearing helmets; it's about finding ways to reduce this damage so that riders can have a better riding experience.
"We hope the research will provide information which can be used in setting standards for helmets and to help improve helmet and motorcycle design."

The study will commence shortly and is expected to run to the end of the year.

What did you say

[Elysium]

I use those 3M disposable ear plugs you can buy for 0.70 at any hardware store and they nut most of the noise out. I find my riding experience is more realxed and calmer, without hardly any wind noise at all.