Helmet noise & ear protection
Poll: Helmet noise & ear protection
Total Members Polled: 209
Discussion
Bob_Defly said:
My helmet is a bit noisy, and I'm not sure if I should be looking for something quieter, or using ear plugs.
It's mainly wind noise, not a noisy exhaust.
Are any brands specifically quieter than others?
Call me daft, I know this is going to sound way out there, but wouldn't you be better trying earplugs and seeing? I don't believe that any grown man has never worn a pair of ear plugs, Christ I have about 10 pairs littered around my desk, in my overalls and a home. It's mainly wind noise, not a noisy exhaust.
Are any brands specifically quieter than others?
I am very particular about earplugs and always have worn them, although since I got an MV Agusta I've worn them less pop-pop-bang-bang-braaaaap-pop-pop-pop 
I must wear earplugs over ten hours a day some days - the OH snores terribly so I have to sleep with them
It can get uncomfortable after so long.
I must wear earplugs over ten hours a day some days - the OH snores terribly so I have to sleep with them
It can get uncomfortable after so long.
I never used to wear them but after three years of my mates hounding me about it I now can't ride without them. At first it felt weird, my balance felt funny and it felt strange to not be able to recognise the rpm but I soon got used to it. For some reason I ride faster on the road when wearing them though. There's a slight disconnect with the surroundings as everything's a bit muffled. This can probably be a good and a bad thing. I think it helped my riding but also like I say made me ride a bit fast for public roads.
My mates works in a carpentry factory so he brings back boxes of those squishy orange ones which are really comfy. The only issue is when you forget you've already worn some and you pop them in your mouth to wet them....urgh ear wax mings!
My mates works in a carpentry factory so he brings back boxes of those squishy orange ones which are really comfy. The only issue is when you forget you've already worn some and you pop them in your mouth to wet them....urgh ear wax mings!
Definitely worth always wearing ear plugs. I have hearing damage as a result of not wearing ear plugs (we didn’t know about this when I started riding) and I can assure you it’s not fun. Also, once the damage is done, it can’t be repaired.
There is no helmet, including Schuberths, where the ambient noise levels at 60mph is below the level given by HSE as safe for prolonged (more than 10 minutes) exposer without hearing protection due to risk of hearing damage.
Bob_Defly said:
My helmet is a bit noisy, and I'm not sure if I should be looking for something quieter, or using ear plugs.
It's mainly wind noise, not a noisy exhaust.
Are any brands specifically quieter than others?
Schuberth are the only helmet manufacturers I am aware of that claim to specifically focus helmet design around reducing ambient noise. They claim the C3 Pro is the quietest helmet on the market. My C2 and C3 are both noticeably quieter than other helmets I’ve used although my BMW System6 (built by Schuberth for BMW) is also pretty quiet.It's mainly wind noise, not a noisy exhaust.
Are any brands specifically quieter than others?
There is no helmet, including Schuberths, where the ambient noise levels at 60mph is below the level given by HSE as safe for prolonged (more than 10 minutes) exposer without hearing protection due to risk of hearing damage.
theshrew said:
Ive worn them at work years ago and found them a pain. Falling out etc.
I should try them again really, maybe the design is better now.
If they're falling out then you're not fitting them correctly. They should be right in the ear canal with very little left sticking out.I should try them again really, maybe the design is better now.
Edited by black-k1 on Friday 5th September 15:15
I never do, but always regret it when i get home after a proper hoon (on the Ducati) and have that ringing-in-your-ear thing going on for a good hour or so after bike's tucked away.
I have tried ear plugs, but i don't like not hearing properly whilst on the bike; i feel vulnerable somehow.
I have tried ear plugs, but i don't like not hearing properly whilst on the bike; i feel vulnerable somehow.
I never used to, 10 years ago, but always do now. I found that if I didn't I would arrive at my destination shouting at people as my ears were so knackered.
It's much more comfortable to ride in them and if I ever pop to the shops or something without them, the bike sounds awful!
It's much more comfortable to ride in them and if I ever pop to the shops or something without them, the bike sounds awful!
crashley said:
I have tried ear plugs, but i don't like not hearing properly whilst on the bike; i feel vulnerable somehow.
You really don't miss anything at all. I can hear my engine still and all the road noise, it's just muted a bit. I can still hear my intercom, music, other riders etc with them in - they protect your ears, they don't block all sounds. Give them another go, your ears will thank you.Fotic said:
I never used to, 10 years ago, but always do now. I found that if I didn't I would arrive at my destination shouting at people as my ears were so knackered.
It's much more comfortable to ride in them and if I ever pop to the shops or something without them, the bike sounds awful!
Exactly - as well as being faster, the bike will actually be in better mechanical condition if you wear them. The few times I have ridden without them I have been convinced the bike was about to implode due to all the strange noises I could now hear. But, if you can't hear it, it isn't happening It's much more comfortable to ride in them and if I ever pop to the shops or something without them, the bike sounds awful!
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