2Wheeltips

I was at a motorcycle class recently and one of the sponsors asked me to blog about a topic that he felt does not get enough attention; knowing when to hang up the helmet when you do not have the physical skills to manage a bike.

Why did this come up? Well... during the class, one of the students kept dropping his bike. During every exercise, we kept hearing a loud crash followed by cursing and a racing engine. This happened more than once. Of course the student blamed it on the bike. He complained there was something wrong with the throttle and that's why he could not maintain the speed needed to complete the exercises.

To see if the throttle was the problem, one of the class sponsors checked it out. He didn't find any problems. He was able to maintain a constant engine speed at various rpms.  He then asked the student to do it and he could not. Why? He seemed to have some nerve disorder that caused his hands to move back and forth! Because of this, he could not control the throttle.

For obvious reasons, he wasn't able to finish the class and left early. What was not obvious to him was he should not be on a bike. He is not only a danger to himself but to others as well. We all know the day is coming when we will have to hang up the helmet and move on to other hobbies. For me, it will be one of the saddest days of my life. Hopefully I will have enough sense when that day comes to think of the dangers I pose to others and myself by riding around unable to operate the controls.

Share your thoughts.....

Happy New Year!  Don’t you love this time of year?  I adore this time because we have a chance to take a step back and reanalyze our lives – to take stock of what we have and what we need and make appropriate decisions. What an exhilarating time it can be!  We re-connect with ourselves, with our loved ones and with the activities we love to do.  Which means…..

We take our bikes out for a New Year’s ride!

Tinnitus is the condition that millions of people suffer from that leaves them hearing a ringing in their ears or buzzing or chirping sounds.  It is the perception of a sound that has no external source. It can be constant or intermittent and is heard in one ear, both ears or in the head.  The most common cause of tinnitus is noise exposure. 

When loud noises interfere with one’s hearing or induce tinnitus, there is an indication that cochlear damage has occurred. The cochlea is the part of the inner ear that detects pressure and transmits electrical impulses through the auditory nerve, sending the sound transmission to the brain.  An increased number of cochlear damage cases stem from regular exposure to loud noise.

Though tinnitus is somewhat subjective and impacts people differently, there are many patterns that are seen within tinnitus sufferers.  First, thoughts and emotions are directly altered.  People often feel bothered, angry or anxious about the presence of the tinnitus.  In addition, tinnitus sufferers often demonstrate difficulties focusing; increased distractibility is prevalent.  Many tinnitus sufferers also feel depressed.  In fact, there exists a high rate of suicide in extreme cases of tinnitus.  Psychological intervention and, in some cases, pharmaceuticals are utilized to treat these symptoms.

Often tinnitus sufferers have difficulties sleeping.  The sound of the tinnitus in a quiet room may irritate the sufferer and cause bouts of insomnia.  Because of occasional interrupted sleep, the tinnitus sufferer is also at risk for developing sleep apnea.   Often a sound machine is necessary to provide external auditory stimulation and facilitate slumber.

Finally, because the tinnitus often masks speech or environmental sounds, the sufferer may have difficulties hearing because of the tinnitus – even in the presence of normal thresholds of hearing.  This is because the presence of tinnitus causes a decrease in signal to noise differentiation.  The brain typically can separate the signal (e.g, the speech) from the background noise.  However, a tinnitus suffer may not be adept in doing so.  This will result in decreased discrimination capacities, especially in the presence of background noise.   So, although a peripheral hearing loss may not be present – the sufferer may still present with difficulties in certain environmental conditions.  Amplification would be required to maximize communication, reduce concomitant stress and partially mask the tinnitus.  In addition, the sufferer may need to undergo programs such as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy to decrease tinnitus.

With initial and small periods of noise exposure, slight tinnitus episodes may be intermittent.  However, as the periods of noise exposure increase, there becomes a cumulative impact on the auditory system and the tinnitus may become chronic.  

The first occurrence of tinnitus should be a red flag of increased noise exposure.  This should be a reminder to wear hearing protection while riding your motorcycle.  The more you ride without protection, the greater your risk at contracting chronic tinnitus and having to suffer the subsequent impact on hearing, communication, social and emotional health.

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Dr. Heche is a Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Voice and Swallowing Pathologist. She is dually certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in NYS in Audiology and Speech Pathology. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Heche is also a NYS licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Dr. Heche runs the NYC-based private practice New York Speech & Hearing and can be reached at:

http://www.2wheeltips.com/members/profile/640

mheche@newyorkspeechandhearing.com
www.newyorkspeechandhearing.com
Office: (212) 260-1414

Once armed with the knowledge regarding the potential hearing damage to motorcycle usage, motorcyclists are typically very motivated to actively protect their hearing while riding.  The ultimate realization that custom earplugs offer the best protection precipitates most riders to be proactive about getting a pair.  When the opportunity is presented to the rider – such as at a motorcycle show – it would appear to be an easy way to ensure a safer ride.  Obtain hearing protection, without the hassle of going to a doctor’s office.  Perfect solution, right?  Not so fast…you should know all the facts.

From my experience at the motorcycle shows, there are several vendors who are present and have booths where they offer to take ear mold impressions immediately and generate a hearing protection plug right there for you.  It is a great way to increase awareness and ensure that motorcyclists who would not typically be wearing protection while riding have begun the process of protecting their hearing.  I have been asked numerous times if this process is an adequate means of protecting hearing, and there are a number of different variables to consider when trying to ascertain whether this is a satisfactory method.

The short answer is that it is certainly far better than not wearing any hearing protection at all.  In fact, the vendors at these conferences take an ear mold impression – much like is done in an audiologist’s office – and generate an earplug that is presumably adequately sealed in the ear.  With that, the motorcycle rider is being protected by using the plugs that took merely minutes to construct and cost just a few dollars.  But how much hearing protection is the rider actually getting, and is this there a better method? 

Obtaining ear mold impressions for the purposes of fitting molds is both an art and a science.  First, there is a risk involved.  Should the silicone based impression material accidentally come too close to the eardrum, its removal might become a small but not unimportant medical procedure.  In addition, if there are otologic conditions in the person’s ear (such as a perforated eardrum) then special care must be taken with the material when it is placed into the canal.  The vendors at the shows may know this information and take appropriate precautions – but they may not.  Further, if there is a condition such as Eustachian Tube dysfunction or a retracted eardrum, then insertion and removal of the material into the canal needs to be done with care or the material will get stuck and severe discomfort will occur.  The fact is that none of the vendors will know if any of these conditions exist in the client sitting in their chair at the show – because testing for these conditions can only be done by an audiologist.  These are facts that you must be aware of when considering obtaining your hearing protection plugs through them.  The vendor may be quite experienced and may be well skilled at taking earmold impressions – please do not misunderstand my words as a statement that none of the vendors are capable.  I do not know any of them well enough to make an assertion in either direction; however, I do know that ear anatomy and physiology plays a large role in the successful ear mold impression.  Without the necessary education, the practitioner is unnecessarily risking the client.

Another variable to consider is the type of material that is utilized.  Typically, the Westone hearing protection plugs are comprised of a soft silicone that adheres to the canal and forms a complete hermetic seal.  I have no direct knowledge of the materials that are used by the vendors, but it would be important to have an understanding of this.  I am certain that each vendor is different and may offer different information about the materials utilized.  What I can report is that I have seen several pairs of plugs that were formulated onsite at a motorcycle show, and I did not feel that the material was dense or sturdy enough to offer the NRR that was claimed.  Therefore, I have to emphasize the importance of the research and development of the company that generates the hearing protection plugs.  The bigger laboratories work towards the constant development of materials and earmold structures that are best suited for the purpose.  These companies have the research to substantiate their claims.  Can all of the vendors say the same thing? 

Finally, there is a very important component to the hearing protection process that is missing at every vendor stand.  The process of hearing protection is more than just being fit with an earplug and wearing it under your helmet.  The process of hearing protection is very much rooted in audiology.  It involves a complete evaluation to ascertain baseline audiological levels and to depict the rider’s audiological profile.  Assessing anatomy and physiology to rule out any conditions that might present a complication to ear mold impressions is an important part of the procedure.  Finally, the hearing protection process should not end with the fitting of hearing protection earplugs.  Rather, ongoing assessment, follow-ups and checks are necessary to monitor function and ensure ongoing healthy hearing; this process can therefore not be complete without the advisement of a Doctor of Audiology.

When you choose to wear hearing protection plugs while riding a motorcycle, you are choosing to take an active role in maintaining your hearing health.  Make certain that the path you are traveling on does not offer a short-cut.  Maximize the hearing protection process to ensure that your overall hearing health will not be compromised.

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Dr. Heche is a Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Voice and Swallowing Pathologist. She is dually certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in NYS in Audiology and Speech Pathology. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Heche is also a NYS licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Dr. Heche runs the NYC-based private practice New York Speech & Hearing and can be reached at:

http://www.2wheeltips.com/members/profile/640

mheche@newyorkspeechandhearing.com
www.newyorkspeechandhearing.com
Office: (212) 260-1414

The fact has been established that plugs are needed to protect your hearing while riding a motorcycle.  But which earplugs are best suited for you, as the motorcyclist?  Which ones will be the most comfortable and – most importantly – the most functional to protect your hearing?  All different types of plugs will be addressed so that you make an informed choice to protect your hearing while riding.

All hearing protection earplugs are measured based upon an “NRR.”  This stands for Noise Reduction Rating.  Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is the measurement of the accuracy with which a hearing protector reduces noise.  This is measured in decibels (dB).  In general – the higher the NRR number, the greater the noise reduction. When more than one protector is used, research has shown that the combined NRR provides approximately 5 - 10 decibels more than the higher rate of the two devices. For example, using ear plugs (NRR of 29 decibels) with ear muffs (NRR 27) would provide a Noise Reduction Rating of approximately 39 decibels.

As a motorcycle rider, you are wearing a helmet and therefore cannot utilize supra-aural ear muffs over your plugs.  So, you want to ensure that the plugs you choose will provide the best protection.  Depending upon which helmet you choose, you may benefit from some extra protection.  But the main protecting agent will be the device you put into your ear.

Commonly used by many are the generic hearing protection plugs that are bought in the drugstore. They are disposable and made of either foam or wax, which compresses and then releases inside the canal to attempt to seal the canal.  There are reusable plugs that are functional for a finite number of uses and conform to the canal.  They may be tethered by a cord.  For each of these, the package will give you an NRR rating of anywhere from 23-29 dB.  However, be aware that these plugs are not “one size fits all.”  In fact, a true hermitic seal is rarely obtained when this plug is placed into the canal.  That means that there is air leakage – and if there is air leakage, then sound is working its way into the canal.  Therefore, protection against the loud noise is not complete.

Custom fit hearing protection earmolds are made to fit precisely into your ear canal.  An ear mold impression is taken of your ears and then sent to a laboratory where the mold is designed given the specific style and material.  The custom hearing protection earmold comes in a number of different models that are utilized for a variety of purposes.  The plugs can be filtered or unfiltered depending upon the need.  As an audiologist, I choose the size and model of the hearing protection earmold depending upon the sounds we are trying to protect against; I choose a different protection plugs for musicians, hunters and construction workers, for example.

The best fit custom hearing protection earplugs for motorcycle riders is the Westone 4RT.  It is the most advantageous because it serves the needs given the variables of motorcycle riding:  the use of a helmet over the plug, the need to be able to hear street noise, the dangerous nature of the noise levels of the wind.  The Westone 4RToffers a complete seal and fits comfortably underneath the helmet.  The mold is formed as a hollow canal style – facilitating increased comfort and reduced resistance.  There is also a graduated frequency response.  The lower frequencies are not attenuated as much as the higher frequencies.  This allows the rider to still be able to hear the engine, gauge speed and identify the presence of traffic.  Hearing is thus protected, without compromising your ability to ride safely.

Dr. Heche is a Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Voice and Swallowing Pathologist. She is dually certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in NYS in Audiology and Speech Pathology. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Heche is also a NYS licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Dr. Heche runs the NYC-based private practice New York Speech & Hearing and can be reached at:

http://www.2wheeltips.com/members/profile/640

mheche@newyorkspeechandhearing.com
www.newyorkspeechandhearing.com
Office: (212) 260-1414

Awareness of the levels of noise to which a motorcyclist is exposed is an important component to the process of riding.  Once that awareness level has been reached, the responsibility is on the motorcyclist to take an active role in utilizing appropriate hearing protection.  Often, the motorcyclist has the knowledge basis but does not execute a plan for hearing protection usage for many reasons.  The reasons differ but the fundamental thought process of the motorcyclist is that the use of hearing protection will alter the ride.  Because of this, it is important to address these myths to expose their fallacious nature; in this way, you can be assured that the use of hearing protection will not be a detriment at all to your riding.

 “My motorcycle is not as loud as you think”
Think again – it most certainly is.  As we have already learned, depending upon the motorcycle you drive and how you modify it, the motorcycle is actually louder than you think.

“All the noise from the motorcycle goes behind me and does not hit my ears”
The noise from your bike and the baffle noise bounce back and does end up becoming a contributing factor to the noise to which you are exposed while riding.  However, as we have previously discussed, the main culprit of noise while riding is the wind noise.  Without protection against this wind noise, your hearing will invariably be impacted.   

“The helmet protects my hearing”
Many riders believe that the helmet provides an adequate amount of hearing protection.  Not only is the helmet an ineffective method of hearing protection, it can also be a significant cause of increased noise exposure.

“The earplugs will be uncomfortable under my helmet”
This is absolutely untrue.  I will explain in detail the most comfortable plugs and why they are comfortable, even underneath the helmet.

“I need to hear other motorists – that’s how motorcycle riders can get killed, if they cannot hear other motorists on the road”
This is the most common misconception, and the one that should be addressed to the greatest extent.  Oftentimes, a motorcyclist will indicate to me that he or she knows wearing hearing protection is important, but the fear of not being able to hear what is necessary impedes them from doing so.  One of the main concerns is that the rider will be unable to hear anything else that is occurring on the road.  Obviously, it is incredibly important to hear the other motorists, and to make certain that the surrounding motorists have an awareness of you as the riding motorcyclist.  However, this capacity does not get lost when wearing hearing protection.  Environmental sounds become attenuated (softer) but are still audible.  SO, the rider will still be able to hear environmental sounds – just at softer and less dangerous levels.  

Hearing protection products are available in a number of different varieties and styles, each of which possess different assets and liabilities to the overall fitting.  A standard measure, called the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is utilized to ascertain level of function of the hearing protection product with respect to the capacity to block the sound.  It is important to note that the NRR does not have a linear relationship with the attenuation of sound.  Rather, it is a formula that is utilized to determine what the overall noise reduction will be based upon the conversion from one scale of sound measurement (a “C” rated scale mandated by OSHA for industrial workplaces) to another scale of measurement better suited for determining the impact on human hearing (an “A” weighted scale). The rule of thumb is that the higher the NRR, the more protective the plug will be for your hearing.  

Other variables involved in ascertaining how beneficial the hearing protection plug will be includes the type of plug utilized, the material that comprises the plug (including its porosity), and the overall fit of the plug.  Many people choose to wear the one-size-fits-all over the counter disposable foam plugs.  If they are not placed securely in the ear, and a true seal is not obtained, the wearer may not be getting the full benefit of using the hearing protection plug.    Which plugs are best suited for the motorcycle rider in terms of comfort, ease of function and reliability?   Await the detailed explanation, so that you can choose the right hearing protection when you ride your motorcycle!

Dr. Heche is a Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Voice and Swallowing Pathologist. She is dually certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in NYS in Audiology and Speech Pathology. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Heche is also a NYS licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Dr. Heche runs the NYC-based private practice New York Speech & Hearing and can be reached at:

http://www.2wheeltips.com/members/profile/640

mheche@newyorkspeechandhearing.com
www.newyorkspeechandhearing.com
Office: (212) 260-1414

Knowing the impact of hazardous noise exposure on the hearing system is extremely important – but knowing the levels of noise to which we regularly expose ourselves is even more important.  Regular exposure to high levels of noise tends to cause an acclimation effect - a person can get used to hearing the hazardous level of sound and therefore not realize that it is offending the auditory system.  It is essential to be aware of these levels so that informed decisions can be made regarding length of exposure and need for protection.

    There are several variables that impact the noise levels to which a motorcyclist is exposed.  First of all, the motorcycle itself emits a significant amount of noise.  The level of noise largely depends on the brand of motorcycle – some brands give off louder noise levels than others.  However, approximately one-half of all motorcycles produce sounds that are at levels exceeding 100 dB.  These levels are recorded at greater than 105 dB when the motorcycle is ridden at speeds greater than 70 dB.  Additionally, changes in the structure of the motorcycle will also impact the noise levels produced by the motorcycle.  Reducing or perforating the baffles have been illustrated to add approximately 5-10 dB on the overall noise levels produced by the motorcycle; removing the baffles altogether ass approximately 10-15 dB on the overall noise levels produced by the motorcycle. 

    Many motorcyclists feel that the use of a helmet is adequate hearing protection.  this is not the case – in fact, depending upon the helmet worn the overall noise levels can be increased 5-10 dB.   The wind noise is the greatest culprit of these noise levels.  Typically, an open faced helmet offers the greatest decrease in noise levels followed by the full faced helmet.  If the full faced helmet were worn with the visor opened, the wind noise would increase 5-7 dB.  In fact, the edge of the windscreen might increase the noise level of the wind 10 dB at riding speeds greater than 50-60 dB.  Helmets with larger vents also increase the noisiness of the wind.  This is in addition to the general noise produced by the motorcycle. 

    The additional 5 or 10 dB of noise added by some of the variables that motorcyclists face could be the difference between safe and unsafe exposure.  It is important to be aware of these levels so that you can be properly protected and maintain your hearing health. 

    How does one adequately protect their hearing?  Stay tuned for next week!

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Dr. Heche is a Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Voice and Swallowing Pathologist. She is dually certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in NYS in Audiology and Speech Pathology. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Heche is also a NYS licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Dr. Heche runs the NYC-based private practice New York Speech & Hearing and can be reached at:

http://www.2wheeltips.com/members/profile/640

mheche@newyorkspeechandhearing.com
www.newyorkspeechandhearing.com
Office: (212) 260-1414

By: Dr. Melissa E. Heche, AuD
Doctor of Audiology

Now that we know how the ear system works, let’s find out what the impact of noise exposure could be.  What constitutes noise is so varied – some people consider noise just a signal of interference.  Others consider noise to be sounds outside of what is expected - the hum of tires, talking in a library, a police siren.  Noise has also been defined as any unwanted sound, whatever it may be.  However, this definition does not take into consideration sounds that are harmfully loud but perfectly acceptable to the individual listening to them (i.e. loud concert music or loud motorcycle baffles).  The true definition of noise, according to the Acoustical Society of America, is an “acoustic signal that can negatively affect the physiological or psychological well-being of an individual.”  Therefore, noises are sounds at levels that are hazardous to the ear system.

What levels of sounds are “hearing hazardous”?  There are two variables that ascertain the ability of a sound to cause damage to the hearing system.  The first variable is the loudness of the sound.  Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB) – the higher the decibel level, the louder the sound.  Sounds louder than 80 decibels may be potentially hazardous to the hearing system.  As sounds get louder, the amount of time to which you are exposed to that sound becomes critical.  Standards have been developed to ascertain the length of time one can be exposed to loud sounds without causing permanent damage.  These standards have been developed by OSHA and are as follows:

• Sound levels at 85 dB = No more than 8 hours of exposure
• Sound levels at 88 dB = No more than 4 hours of exposure
• Sound levels at 91 dB = No more than 2 hours of exposure
• Sound levels at 94 dB = No more than 1 hour of exposure
• Sound levels at 97 dB = No more than 30 minutes of exposure
• Sound levels at 100 dB = No more than 15 minutes of exposure

Please note that over one-half of all motorcycles produce sounds in excess of 100 dB (depending upon the brand).  For motorcyclists riding at speeds over 70 mph, noise levels are in excess of 105 dB.  This means that, without using any hearing protection, the average motorcyclist cannot ride for more than 15 minutes or less without causing permanent hearing damage.

Hearing damage can occur from loud impulse sounds.  An immediate, permanent hearing loss accompanied by a high pitched tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in the ears) can occur.  This is a sudden change in hearing status and auditory health.  By contrast, continuous exposure to loud noise damages the structure of the hair cells in the inner ear.  As the hair cells become increasingly damaged, gradual hearing loss and tinnitus develops. 

Exposure to hazardous levels of noise, either impulse or continuous, may initially only cause a temporary hearing loss.  If hearing function is essentially restores, this is known as a temporary shift in hearing thresholds.  Recovery from a temporary threshold shift occurs about 24-72 hours following exposure.  However, recurring episodes of Temporary Threshold Shifts result in Permanent Threshold Shifts – or a Noise Induced Hearing loss.  Once this happens, the hair cells are damaged irreparably.  This will result in significant difficulties hearing in noisy situations and decreased capacities with the discrimination of speech sounds.

Exposure to high levels of noise does not only impact the hearing system.  Other systems are impacted negatively by this noise exposure.  Typically, excessive noise exposure causes headaches and fatigue.  In addition, the circulatory and digestive systems are impacted as well; excessive noise exposure causes an increase in blood pressure.  Respiratory difficulties may also coexist.

The goal is to limit “hearing hazardous” – control exposure to hazardous noise levels.  The best way to do this is to have a working knowledge of the levels to which we are exposed on a regular basis, and to protect ourselves accordingly to maintain the integrity of our hearing function.

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Dr. Heche is a Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Voice and Swallowing Pathologist. She is dually certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in NYS in Audiology and Speech Pathology. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Heche is also a NYS licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Dr. Heche runs the NYC-based private practice New York Speech & Hearing and can be reached at:

http://www.2wheeltips.com/members/profile/640

mheche@newyorkspeechandhearing.com
www.newyorkspeechandhearing.com
Office: (212) 260-1414

By: Dr. Melissa E. Heche, AuD
Doctor of Audiology

It occurred to me that without the knowledge of how your ears work – how sound is transmitted so that it is actually “heard” – it might be hard to visualize what happens to your ears when exposed to loud noises.  Therefore, this week’s column will focus on the general mechanics of how our auditory system – our ears – function.

The ear is made up of three basic structures: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Connecting the middle ear to the throat is a canal called the Eustachian tube.

The Outer Ear
The auricle (pinna) is the visible portion of the outer ear. It collects sound waves and channels them into the external auditory meatus (ear canal) where the sound is amplified.

The sound waves enter into the ear canal through the aperture.  There are two bends in the ear canal.  The sound waves then travel toward a flexible, oval membrane at the end of the external auditory meatus called the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The sound waves cause the tympanic membrane to begin to vibrate.

The Middle Ear
The vibrations from the eardrum set the ossicles into motion. The ossicles are three tiny bones that are located in the middle ear.  These bones are the smallest bones in the human body.  The bones are typically known as the malleus, incus and stapes – but are also sometimes referred to as the hammer, the anvil and the stirrup based on their physical appearance.  All three bones are known as the ossicular chain and are encased in a jelly-like mucous membrane. The middle ear serves two purposes:  to transmit and amplify sounds from the eardrum to the oval window and to act as a dampener on loud sounds that may damage the inner ear (cochlea).

The stapes attaches to the oval window, connecting the middle ear to the inner ear. The Eustachian tube, which opens into the middle ear, is responsible for equalizing the pressure between environmental air to that within the middle ear.

The Inner Ear
The inner ear contains the most important parts of the hearing mechanism - two chambers called the vestibular labyrinth and the cochlea.  
The vestibular labyrinth consists of 3 semicircular canals largely responsible for the sense of balance.   The labyrinth is filled with a fluid called endolymph.
The cochlea, which begins at the oval window, curves into a shape that resembles a snail shell.   The cochlea is the second part of the inner ear and is the actual organ of hearing.  Inside the cochlea are thousands of tiny hair-like cells that connect to fibers of the hearing (acoustic) nerve.  Each hair cell has a relationship with a different frequency (or pitch), which enables us to hear different pitches.  Sound vibrations entering the cochlea cause a wave to travel through the fluid-filled organ of hearing. This wave causes movement of the hair cells which then generate electro-chemical signals which travel through the acoustic nerve to the brain where they are recognized as sounds.  The brain then interprets these signals and this is how we hear.

Once you have a basic knowledge of how the auditory system works, you’ll have a good understanding of what happens when the system is stressed by loud noise – and what that ultimately will mean to your hearing.

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Dr. Heche is a Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Voice and Swallowing Pathologist. She is dually certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in NYS in Audiology and Speech Pathology. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Heche is also a NYS licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Dr. Heche runs the NYC-based private practice New York Speech & Hearing and can be reached at:

http://www.2wheeltips.com/members/profile/640

mheche@newyorkspeechandhearing.com
www.newyorkspeechandhearing.com
Office: (212) 260-1414

By: Dr. Melissa E. Heche, AuD
Doctor of Audiology

Greetings to all Motorcyclists!  I have a special affinity for motorcyclists because of their devotion to their passion.  What feeling is more fabulous than riding your bike and enjoying an intimate communication with the surrounding world?  Not much….except the capacity to hear the surrounding world as we communicate with it.

Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Dr. Melissa Heche.  I am a Doctor of Audiology, specializing in hearing and balance related disorders.  I work with individuals of all ages in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing, balance and auditory related disorders.  I am also active in many communities in providing education to promote hearing loss prevention.  That is my role here - I am honored to introduce a new column which will help to provide information, answer questions, and improve your awareness of an important sense organ while you continue to enjoy riding.

This week I will tell you about my skills and experiences and so that in the weeks to come you can feel confident about the information given to you.  I have worked in acute care (hospital), subacute, long-term care settings and I am currently in private practice. I have people who have had strokes, heart attacks, tumors, head and neck cancers, pulmonary disorders and more specific otologic (ear-related) and vestibular based disorders.  I have also worked as an adjunct professor at LIU-Brooklyn College, educating graduate students regarding the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of hearing loss.

I work closely with those who are exposed to high levels of noise on a professional or personal basis to help maintain and perpetuate hearing health. This includes people such as musicians, construction workers, dentists and motorcyclists.  I have a special affinity towards motorcyclists because of the passion inherent in riders.  Generally, the desire is to communicate better with the world – and yet, the actual practice leads to impaired communication if not protected properly.

I have spoken at the International Motorcycle Convention and I currently work with one of the largest EarMold manufacturers to reach out to motorcyclists and ensure proper protection is being used.  It is a privilege to have the ability to convey my message to so many riders and to clarify any uncertainties.  My goal, through all of this, is to ensure maximal hearing health while you participate in the sports you love so dearly!

In the coming weeks, I will discuss the function of the ear, how noise impacts your hearing, the different variables of motorcycle riding on noise exposure and what we can do about it.  For those of you who think wearing a helmet is enough protection – this is going to be an eye opening experience!

I look forward to taking this journey with you.  If you have questions or concerns at any time – please feel free to contact me.  My information will be located at the bottom of each column.

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Dr. Heche is a Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Voice and Swallowing Pathologist. She is dually certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in NYS in Audiology and Speech Pathology. In addition, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and is Board Certified in Audiology. Dr. Heche is also a NYS licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Dr. Heche runs the NYC-based private practice New York Speech & Hearing and can be reached at:

http://www.2wheeltips.com/members/profile/640

mheche@newyorkspeechandhearing.com
www.newyorkspeechandhearing.com
Office: (212) 260-1414

I can not stress enough how important it is to protect your hearing while riding. Next time you go to a major rally, look around and you will see many riders with double hearing aids. I'm not talking about riders in their 60's and 70's, but riders in their late 30's and early 40's who have been riding for years without hearing protection.

I encourage you to listen to the video on hearing loss and hearing protection from Dr. Melissa Heche. She is a 2wheeltips member and regularly writes for the site.  You can contact her if you have any hearing-related questions.