Had my yearly CDL physical Thursday. Had the hearing test. Dr. said I have MAJOR hearing loss in my left ear. He asked how much "noise" I was around. Told him I ride motorcycles. I get a LOT of wind noise and my pipes aren't exactly quiet either. Anyway, he told me "you don't have much more to lose in your left ear. You need to be very careful with it." I'm not even supposed to run the lawn mower without protection for my ears. I wear half helmets, so I do get a lot of wind/pipe noise when riding. He TOLD me to get something that covers my ears when riding. So I'm up for an open face helmet, but want something that really gives good sound protection. Recommendations?

 

Yeah, change the pipes and wear ear plugs. Then choose whatever helmet you like.

 

Yep, ear plugs are the way to go.

 

I've got a Davida open face which has got good ear padding, cuts pipe and wind noise quite a bit. Theyre Made in the UK but according to their Website they deal worldwide.

www.davida.co.uk/

 

I have an Arai 3/4 and it's great. And then add ear plugs.

 

go to webbikeworld and read helmet reiews for comfort and quiet ratings. They will mostly say, wear earplugs. They do have good reviews on lots of current and past model helmets and gear.

 

Helmet or no helmet, you should be wearing ear plugs.

 

The Aria is a great Helmet.

 

I would recommend ear plugs too. After the first day of my epic ride of a lifetime (6,000 miles, 16 days, 10 states,) it was immediately appearent I needed sound protection (just from the wind, as I have stock pipes) with my half helmet.

Walgreens in South Dakota and some pretty high quality ear plugs for cheap.

Best of luck,
Ken

 

Forgot to mention that I could still hear my stereo and traffic noise just fine.