Ear Plugs for Bikers
The Problem
Motorcyclists are constantly exposed to high levels of noise caused predominantly by the wind. Several studies have shown that at 50 mph sound levels reaching the ear are around 94 dB(A). Speed has a significant effect on the sound level and at 70 mph riders are exposed to around 103 dB(A).
Apart from being uncomfortable and tiring, high noise levels can have a damaging effect on hearing. In the UK the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) state that workers must wear hearing protection if they are exposed to levels equivalent to 85 dB(A) for 8 hours a day and each increase of 3 dB(A) causes the level of sound energy to double which means that the safe exposure time halves as shown on the table below.
Noise induced hearing loss is normally a very gradual process and goes unnoticed by the sufferer for a long time. It is not possible to rectify this type of hearing loss and once the damage is done it is permanent. Conventional soft disposable ear plugs can be a solution to the noise problem but they may be uncomfortable to wear and, if not inserted properly, provide little or no protection.
Exposure Levels
Noise induced hearing loss is a function of exposure time and the average noise level. Some people are more susceptible to hearing loss than others, so that the limits, based average time and sound level exposure, will only protect the "average" person. The following table shows the average safe exposure times for motorcyclists at different speeds, based on the HSE limits, and the effect of wearing good quality ear plugs.
noise level |
approx speed |
HSE Limit |
with 15 dB protection |
88 dB(A) |
40 mph |
4 hours |
8+ hours |
94 dB(A) |
50 mph |
1 hours |
8+ hours |
|
99 dB(A) |
60 mph |
20 mins |
8+ hours |
103 dB(A) |
70 mph |
8 mins |
4 hours |
107 dB(A) |
80 mph |
3 mins |
2 hours |
The Solution
Custom hearing protectors provide motorcyclists with the ideal solution to wind noise. Each pair is individually made from exact impressions of the user's ears. They are extremely comfortable to wear and cannot be inserted incorrectly so offering the correct levels of protection. Made of silicone they are extremely durable so offer a long life and excellent value for money.
Simple silicon plugs are available which are comfortable and very efficient but many motorcyclists prefer plugs fitted with special frequency attenuating filters. Developed by the Elcea Laboratory in Holland for the Dutch Police Force, they are now in common use throughout Europe, being used by thousands of motorcyclists. They ensure that the higher frequencies are reduced without at the same time reducing the lower frequencies more than necessary. This allows them to be used with communication and music systems but still provide protection.
The plugs on the left are Elcea Biopact filtered silicon plugs, the pair on the right are unfiltered silicon plugs.
How to obtain your ear plugs
The cost of Elcea Biopact filtered plugs is £99 per pair, unfiltered silicon plugs are £65. A visit to us is necessary to have impressions of the ear taken, a painless process involving the use of a soft putty like material, taking about 20 minutes. To avoid a wasted journey please get your doctor or practice nurse to check with an otoscope that the ears are clear of excessive wax. We hold our sessions at the Winfield Hospital in Gloucester, please telephone (01452 863470) for an appointment.
(this page last updated 11-Sep 09)