2Wheeltips

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