Harley Gear for Touring Trips: Hearing Protection

Touring trips require a large amount of gear. You need to pack along your clothes, toiletries, first aid kit, water, and a toolkit. But there is one key piece of Harley® gear you’re probably forgetting to bring along your ride: hearing protection. We created a guide to understanding hearing protection below. If your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle needs any parts replacement or maintenance before your trip, bring it by Crystal Harley-Davidson®. We proudly serve those in New Port Richey, Florida.

Why Motorcycle Hearing Protection Matters

Everyone knows Harley-Davidson motorcycles are loud and proud. But that rumble and roar of the Harley engine isn’t all fun and games. When combined with the intensity of wind noise, It contributes to a real problem of irreversible hearing damage.

Any sound above 85 decibels of noise can kickstart permanent hearing damage. When you ride at 40 miles per hour, you experience 90 decibels of noise. The faster you ride, the more decibels of noise you encounter.

While it would be great if your helmet blocked out the damaging noise, it unfortunately does not. In fact, it can make things worse. It vibrates at 250 hz and adds to the noise problem. You’ll need some form of hearing protection.

Types of Motorcycle Hearing Protection

Motorcycle hearing protection tends to reduce around 30 decibels of noise. This is usually enough to turn a damaging ride into a safe one for your ears. The following options are designed to be worn underneath your helmet without it becoming uncomfortable on those long touring rides.

Most Harley riders opt for disposable ear plugs as they are the cheapest option. Pick up a pack for pennies at most grocery stores and gas stations. Use a new pair each ride. Because they are mass-produced, it can be harder to find a good fit.

In pursuit of a better fit, some riders opt for wax or rubber balls. You can mold them into a personalized shape that fits your ear well. They are reusable so you can take them on multiple rides. But on a hot day or several hours into a touring ride, they can feel greasy.

For the best fit, choose custom-fitted earplugs. As their name implies, they are specially built to fit your ears. They are measured to provide the best protection and most comfortable fit. This also makes them the most expensive option. But they can last for years, which helps offset their steep price.

Finding Your Ideal Choice

When seeking the right option, you should prioritize finding the right fit. When earplugs are too large, they can poke outside your ear and push against your helmet. After some time on the road, this can begin to hurt. When earplugs are too small, they won’t fit inside your ear properly. This can negatively affect your noise coverage.

A second thing to consider is how often you ride. If you only take out your Harley motorcycle a few times a year, then you can get by on cheap disposable earplugs. If you hit the road often, it will be a good investment to buy a better quality option.

Hearing protection is just one of the many necessary pieces of Harley gear. Crystal Harley-Davidson® connects you to Harley-Davidson® themed apparel and accessories. If your ride needs some updating, check out our parts replacement and service options. If you are looking to trade in your motorcycle, get a quote on it’s worth. If you are looking to buy, we offer a range of new and used motorcycles for sale. We proudly serve those in New Port Richey, Spring Hill, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, Florida.