How does everyone cope with wind noise on the motorway?

Hi there,

I know this is a pretty basic question but I've only just started making long(ish) journeys on the motorway and my ears have been ringing at the end of them as the wind-noise is so loud. I've tried to use headphones which help so I can at least listen to music rather than the loud drone of the wind. Also I figure the headphones should make it harder for the noise to get into my ears if there's something blocking the path

Although the headphones are better than not using them, I still need to crank the music up quite load to battle with the wind. I'm considering using ear plugs but am worried that it will reduce my awareness once I get off the motorway and into traffic.

My helmet is fairly budget (nitro racing, back from the days of owning a scooter) but I don't think there are any gaping holes in it which would make the noise worse. Would a better helmet help?

I was wondering what people use to avoid this issue? Do you just man-up and live with it? Any advice?

Van goghs idea only half worked.

The reason i picked my helmet was because it was supposed to be fairly quiet, it still too loud though.

Just wear ear plugs, i dont find it hinders me at all wearing them, makes you use your eyes more too

Definately do something to protect your ears, i have tinnitus(not from the bike) and its horrible, especially when trying to sleep.

Originally Posted by beabert

Just wear ear plugs, i dont find it hinders me at all wearing them.

Better than an ipod

neck warmer and ear plugs.

WEAR EARPLUGS!!! I wear mine ALL the time, even around town. Your hearing will suffer long term if you don't. Earplugs also reduce stress levels, help you focus on what's going on, reduce your perception of speed and at this time of year stop earache. I find I ride much better with them in because of all that. Get some foam ones, stuff them right in there by tolling them up first and holding them in for a bit while they expand into the shape of your ears. Once you've tried them, you won't go back..

[punyXpress]

Originally Posted by Maverick9999

" I'm considering using ear plugs but am worried that it will reduce my awareness once I get off the motorway and into traffic. "

At least you'll have some hearing left to be aware of other traffic. Also you shouldn't have tinnitus - a vicious little fecker from which there is no return!

When I am riding around town I always wear ear plugs, but, when I do long distance I use in-ear headphone (which I hope to upgrade to moulded ear plugs at the NEC this year.) Cuts out a lot of the wind noise along with the neck sock I use and the double bubble screen I have.

If all else fails duck behind the screen to get out of the wind

[fizzwheel]

Earplug, white / wind noise is terribly destructive for your hearing.

If you want to quiet down the noise, look for a less race focused helmet, i.e. not to many vents, no spoiler etc etc.

I find the plugs dont reduce my awareness, I can still hear traffic and everything that is going on around me, the plugs filter out the bad / distracting noise.

I was doing nearly 40,000 miles a year so had some custom made ear plugs made at a cost of about £95 - they are without a shadow of doubt the best money I've ever spent...

No more ringing ears, headaches after 600 mile days and Idont get half as tired..

get decent ear plugs..