Does Wind Noise From Riding A Motorcycle Cause Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a medical disorder characterized by an incessant buzzing, cracking, whistling and ringing in the ears.   It may be brought forth by a number of factors, ranging from frequent exposure to workplace noises and extremely loud music.  However, some are asking, does wind noise from riding a motorcycle cause tinnitus?  Motorcycle industry experts agree that, based on years of research, wind noise is a major contributor to a number of illnesses, which include tinnitus.  Wind noise is commonly referred to as the amount of noise turbulence created around the head as the motorcycle rider is in motion. Researchers have agreed that among the inherited consequences of wind noise include  irreversible hearing loss, as well as damage to the auditory canals and nerves of the inner ear, especially when a motorcycle driver fails to wear adequate protective head gear.

The issue of hearing disorders like tinnitus are often discussed within the motorcycle industry, as well as by the firearms and aviation industries, because if the issues of hearing loss are not properly addressed, the amount of damage caused by exposure of the inner ear is by destructive sound, will further increase every time a motorcycle rider rides on his or her bike, even for only a few hours. Does wind noise from riding a motorcycle cause tinnitus? Yes it does, notes motorcycle safety experts.  These experts also argue that the constant duration of harmful levels of noise slowly makes the rider lose his or her ability to hear.

Motorcycle safety analysts agree that an average rider should only be surrounded by noise levels of around 85-90 decibels during a typical eight-hour work day.  However, when the sound levels exceed 100 decibels, then the person’s exposure to noise should be reduced to just two hours. Motorcycle safety advocates contend that typical wind noise at highway speeds usually measure up to 103 decibels, which are comparable to the noise created by a running chainsaw. When exposed to these sound levels, the motorcycle rider is not only physically fatigued from being exposed to excessive noise, but also may require the driver to wear a hearing aid later in life.

Does wind noise from riding a motorcycle cause tinnitus? If it does real harm to the rider, then what are the effective tinnitus relief methods? Health experts agree that when the driver is not wearing a helmet, the projected wind noise during highway speeds is nearly 10 times greater than when the rider wears a full-face or full-coverage helmet.

Riders should know that below 30 miles per hour, he/she is constantly exposed to machine, exhaust and environmental noises. And once the motorcycle reaches speeds of more than 30mph, and then wind noise should serve as the next threat.  It would be good if drivers wear a full-coverage helmet to help reduce the negative effects of wind noise, and regularly visit their doctor for a comprehensive audiological examination.