Why wearing helmets while riding motorcycles can lead to hearing loss

uly 30, 2011 – Washington

It had earlier been indicated that motorcycle helmets, while protecting bikers’ brains, may also contribute to hearing loss, but why this happens was unknown, until now.

The distinctive roar of a Harley’s engine is loud, but studies have revealed the biggest source of noise for motorcyclists is actually generated by air whooshing over the riders’ helmets. Even at legal speeds, the sound can exceed safe levels.

Now, scientists have identified a key source of the rushing din. Researchers from the University of Bath and Bath Spa University placed motorcycles helmets atop mannequin heads, mounted them in a wind tunnel, and turned on the fans. By placing microphones at different locations around the helmet and at the mannequin’s ear, the reRead more: 

The findings may one day be used to design quieter helmets, saving riders’ ears for the enjoyment of hard biker rock, the researchers said.

The study has been published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.