2Wheeltips

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

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.

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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

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!

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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

 

Any tips for  safety drive on high speed, especially on a suzuki hayabusa.

Howdy Everybody !

  Allow me to introduct myself.  I'm Dave and I live in Smyrna, Tennessee.  Hince the screen name theSMYRNAcowboy. ( Go figure.)  I just joined this group yesterday and I had a very nice comment on my Suzuki Burgman 650 Scooter walk around from Carrol and she asked me to write a blog about scooters so I thought I would give it a shot.  A lot of people have asked me in the past, "Why did you buy a scooter instead of a "Real" motorcycle?"  So with that, I'll start with the story on how I got into riding a scooter.
  Back in the summer 2006 when gas prices first hit $3.00 a gallon, I was talking to my wife on a Sunday morning  saying how I was going to have to get a vehicle with better gas mileage.  I drove a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 truck which got about 14 MPG in the city.  It was costing me a fortune!  As she was reading the Sunday paper, they had an article about scooters.  Then she said, " Why not get a scooter?  That would bet the mileage on that truck of yours."  The first thought that popped in my head ( like most people ) was the old Cushman scooter that Toad rode in American Graffiti.  I told her " Yea, I'd look like Papa Smurf on a Moped!" and let it go at that.......... for now.  That just planted the seed in my head.  So I got on the net and did some research and found out they have MAXI-scooters.  The engine sizes range from 250cc and up to a 650cc.  Was riding a motorcycle for me?  Would I save that much money in gas?  I've never riden before, would I like it?  All these questions were in the back of my mind when I started this journey but there was only one way to find out.  Take the MSF Basic Riders Course and see if it takes, so I did.  I knew if I wanted to test ride a bike, I needed a motorcycle endorsement so I got the course lined up.  First, I needed to decide what scoot ( After I got my endorsement) to test ride.  I had NO idea how many Maxi-scooters there were on the market today.  Burgmans, Sliverwings, T-Max, Majesty, Kymco the list goes on and on.  I priced new ones at a few dealerships and came to the choice of a Suzuki Burgman 400 or 650.  For the money, those were the best scoots for the dollar. IMHO.  Now I've decided on the bike, now to get my endorsement so I can test ride them.

  Now this is where it starts getting weird. 

I got thru the class on Friday night.  We had range day on the following Saturday and I told my coach that I was taking the class ( I'm one of the oldest ones there at 46 ) to get my endorsement to test ride some Burgman scooters.  It just so happens that his friend, a rider coach as well was selling his wifes 2004 model Burgman 650 with 1300 ( thats right 13 HUNDRED ) miles for $5,000.  They go new back then for $8,000.  So I asked him to contact his buddy and he did.  He would meet us on Sunday at the range after class.  To make a long story short, I test rode, secured the finacing and bought the bike.  I have been riding ever since and enjoying every minute of it.
  Like me,  a lot of people didn't even know these type of motorcycles were even out there.  Some riders at work love to rib me about riding a "Scooter" and why not get a "Real" motorcycle.  Then I have to give them a few facts about these incredible machines.

1.  I have MOTORCYCLE licence plate on the back and MOTORCYCLE insurance to ride it. :-)
2.  It is as big or bigger that a lot of bikes on the road.
3.  It's just a MOTORCYCLE with a step thru design.
4.  The top end on the Burgman 650 is 110 MPH ( Like I'll ever go that fast.)
5.  It has a CVT transmission. ( No shifting of gears.  Just twist and go )
6.  Under the seat, there is room for 2 FULL FACE helmets. ( Or TEN  2 liters of your favorite soft drink.)
7.  Low center of gravity and has great control in curves.
8.  Lockable glove box with 12 volt plug.
9.  Windscreen
10.  The Executive models have ABS, Electric mirrors that fold in and out and Electric Windscreen to adjust up and down.

 and with all the "farkles" you can put on them, there very comfortable and enjoyable to ride.



  As far as I am concerned, this bike fit's me like a glove.  Folks, I look at it this way.  Does it REALLY matter what we ride?  We all share the same dangers out there wiether we ride a 49cc scooter or a 110 Cubic Inch HD Ultra Classic Electra Glide.  It hurts just the same doing a face plant going 40 MPH on either bike.
We share the same road. the wind and the sprit of being on the open road.  But most of all, the freedom of riding.

Scooters have come a long way in the past 40+ years.  Like I said, it ain't your Grandpa's Cushman any more.

Ride Safe out there every one.

The Smyrna Cowboy
( A.K.A. Dave.)
 

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

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

 

Every rider should know about crampbusters and throttle rockers. They are plastic "paddles" you wrap around your throttle. You rest the heel of your hand on the paddle and it keeps the gas open. Sorta like a poor man's cruise control. 
 

You can get the permanent metal ones that are more stylish,  but the originals work great and are very affordable.

So, if you don't have a few hundred dollars to give your dealer for electronic cruise control, throttle rockers and crampbusters are the ticket.

 

If you are in the mood to splurge on a big ticket item for your motorcycle, consider putting a GPS unit on your list.

First off, get one that is specifically made for motorcycles and resist the urge to rig up your car GPS to your bike. Motorcycle GPS units are rugged and built to handle road hazards such as bike vibration, flying debris and rain. Most have glare resistant screens for easy viewing and can be easily operated while wearing gloves.

Top end motorcycle GPS units have bluetooth for connecting to your phone and a motorcycle bluetooth headset. Some even have satellite radio, mp3 players and weather alerts.

They all come with mounts for easy installation on your handlebars.

If you live in the northeast and regularly use E-Z Pass to pay tolls on bridges and highways, you should consider getting a transponder for your bike. Fumbling around for loose change with riding gloves on is no fun and drivers will start blowing their horns at you if you take too long to pay.

One quick tip; avoid the motorcycle E-Z Pass holders and use the adhesive strips that come with the transponder. Most of the holders we have seen use suction cups to hold the transponder to the windshield or tank. Whoever makes these things must have forgotten that bikes vibrate.....a lot. After a few miles of riding, your $25.00 transponder and your $15.00 holder will come loose and be gone with the wind.
 

If you don't have the adhesive strips, call your local E-Z Pass center for new ones. They will send them to you for free. For advanced riders, you can keep the transponder in your pocket and hold it in the air as you approach the toll booth. If you have a passenger, have him or her hold it in the air for you.

 

Here is a quick tip I got from a friend. Many sport and sporting touring bikes have large blind spots. One solution is to go down to your local dealer and plop down a few hundred dollars for a new set of mirrors with a wider field of view.

Another is to go over to the local auto store and buy the "bubble" or "curved" mirrors. They stick on with two way tape and do an excellent job of eliminating blind spots. The set I got for my bike cost about $8.00 and are adjustable.