Ear Plugs for motorcyclists and motorsports

Author thumbnail Charlotte Jones  |  Published 22 June 2023  | Updated 14 July 2023  | 4 mins read

A person riding a blue and white motorcycle on a bend.

Whether you are an avid petrolhead or prefer things on two wheels, we can all come together and appreciate the exhilaration and excitement of spending a day by the track.

But have you ever stopped to think about the damage you could be causing yourself and your ears from too much exposure to roaring revs?

Well, we’ve got you covered with our guide to ear plugs for motorsports and motorcycling!

Can motorsports damage your hearing?

It’s often easy to neglect our hearing when we are doing something we love, but did you know that noise-induced hearing loss is the second biggest cause of hearing loss? This is why it’s so important for us to take our ears into consideration before it’s too late.

Our ears are very sensitive and filled with delicate hairs that help sound signals travel to the brain. Exposure to loud noises for prolonged periods of time can damage these hairs and result in the sound signals not being able to fully make their way to the brain – in other words, this can result in hearing loss.

British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Sound is measured in decibels, where normal conversation registers about 60dB. When we are exposed to sounds above 85dB for extended periods, we are putting our hearing at risk of damage. So just how loud are motorsports? 

Well, you’ll probably be surprised to know that even as a spectator, you’ll likely be exposed to around 130dB during a race. And for motorcyclists, when you’re on a bike, the combination of exhaust and wind noise means the decibels can reach up to a staggering 160dB! That is a lot of decibels for your ears to handle, which is why hearing protection plays such an important role in looking after them and preventing noise-induced hearing loss. 

What are the benefits of wearing ear plugs for motorsports and motorcycling?

Hearing protection, such as ear plugs, help to protect your ears from noise damage. Depending on the type of ear plug you choose, they can offer effective noise reduction without having to compromise on clarity, so you can enjoy the howl of the engine and hear people around you whilst keeping your ears safe!

 

Types of Ear Plugs for Motorcyclists and Motorsports

When choosing the right motorsports ear plugs, there are various options to choose from, all of which offer varying levels of noise reduction and protection. Let’s have a closer look at some of the ear plugs available to you.

Blue custom fit ear plugs.

Custom-moulded ear plugs

Custom-moulded ear plugs are the best type of ear plug on the market and are the first product we recommend to our customers. Ideal for extended periods of wear, custom-moulded ear plugs are comfy and secure within the ear (because they are made for you!) which makes them the perfect choice for motorcyclists living life in the fast lane. 

Not only is the fit superior to other styles of ear plugs, but they include sound-reducing filters which can bring the sound levels down by over 20dB. Custom moulded ear plugs are also reusable, so as long as you look after and clean them you will have fantastic hearing protection for years!

Other types of ear plugs

High-fidelity filtered ear plugs – For those who want a budget-friendly option without compromising on levels of protection, high-fidelity filtered ear plugs are a good option to consider. Due to the shape of these, they aren’t as secure in the ear as custom options, so are not recommended for speeding down the track. 

Disposable foam ear plugs – While these may be handy on a flight or when you are trying to sleep next to a heavy snorer, disposable ear plugs don’t offer much in the way of hearing protection and are therefore not recommended.

A person riding a motorcycle.

Motorcyclist or motorsports enthusiast? Check your hearing health

Worried about your hearing levels? Why not try our quick online hearing test to find out more? 

How to get motorcycling and motorsport ear plugs

Here at The Hearing Care Partnership, we want to help you get the most out of life and all while looking after your hearing. That’s why our skilled audiologists offer hearing protection appointments to provide you with the protection you need for all of your hobbies, including motorsports and motorcycling.

If you would like to find out more about how ear plugs can help you enjoy your favourite hobby to the full, then book an appointment at your local THCP practice today. 

Call us on 0800 52 00 546 or book an appointment online.