While riding a motorcycle, you’ll want to make sure that you’re wearing the right kind of gear so your bike won’t damage your hearing over time. At Hideout Harley-Davidson®, we take every aspect of riding safety very seriously, so we’ve outlined some things to know when it comes to hearing protection. If you need additional advice, feel free to talk to our experienced staff.

Why You Need It?

Some motorcycle engines can reach decibels that are unsafe for human ears, especially if you’re the one next to it for a prolonged time. Throw on top of that the sound of other motorized vehicles around you and the sound of the wind as you get faster and faster, and riding a motorcycle on a daily, or even just a regular basis can add up over time. The enclosed space of a helmet can amplify the vibrations and make the situation worse. So if you want to truly protect your ears, you’re going to need to buy gear specifically designed to protect your hearing.

Different Types of Hearing Protection

Luckily, this won’t be as difficult to look for or as expensive as most riding gear. Just consider some of your basic needs. Your gear will need to fit inside your helmet, so anything that could interfere with your helmet’s ability to protect you isn’t going to work. Some specialty earplugs come with stalks that stick out a bit. Test out these earplugs before committing to them. Some might have stalks that are too big for your helmet and make riding uncomfortable. If you just want something simple and cheap, foam earplugs should provide enough protection without being too uncomfortable. They also are relatively inexpensive and you can buy them in packages so you can dispose of them and replace them without dropping too much money.

How to Use Hearing Protection

As strange as it may seem, there is a right way to use hearing protection, and definitely a wrong way. Consider those inexpensive foam earplugs that we mentioned earlier. Inserting them is simply a matter of squeezing them into a smaller size and holding them in your ear until they expand to fit your ear shape and not leave any openings. Regardless of what type of earplug you’re using, make sure you don’t push it in too hard and that your helmet won’t do the same.

This is just one piece of your riding safety gear that you should be using every time you go out on your motorcycle. You should also make sure you’re wearing the right helmet, riding clothes, and anything else that might keep you safe while you’re out on your bike. If you’re still looking for the perfect ride, then stop by Hideout Harley-Davidson® in Joplin, MO. We proudly serve all those in Springfield, MO, and Rogers, AR.