Protect yourself from motorbikes

Earrings and filtered auditory protections

PICB labeled this compliant with the requirements of the European directive 89/686/EEC and standard NF EN352

The ear is fragile!Especially the lesions are often definitive, the destruction of internal hair cells during exposure to a strong or prolonged noise being irreversible.And on a motorcycle, we are often exposed to a noise that is not necessarily strong but prolonged for in particular long journeys with high speed.Any biker noticed the tinnitus occurring during a long journey on a motorcycle that fade after a night's sleep or not...demonstrating the irreversible character of the destruction of the cells concerned.It is therefore necessary to protect oneself...Especially since hearing loss first goes through acute frequencies that we do not use little on a daily basis before becoming widespread.We become deaf little by little and when we notice it it is often too late.

The harmful effects of noise and sound pollution on health are increasingly talking about them, including with regard to motorcycles whose volume produced is decried on both sides and gives rise to years after yearsmore drastic standards and even circulating prohibitions.But for the biker, it is not fair to the noise of the exhaust in question, but the sound of the wind at high speed (even legal) and the prolonged noise in all cases even if the latter is notdeafening.And if it is not possible to install db killer in the air or prohibit the wind on the highway, then you must think of using hearing protections.

The noise in short

Noise is the result of vibrations that spread in the air.It is measured according to its frequency, described in Hertz and its intensity, measured in decibels.It is estimated that the danger threshold is from 80 decibels.It is in any case from this level that hearing protections become compulsory at the professional level in France.From 80 dB, the more the ear is exposed to noise, the more hearing deteriorates, with hearing losses, the appearance of tinnitus...The pain threshold is fixed at 120 dB.

And this is the reason why the anti-noise helmet is widely used in the stands near the circuits.But on a motorcycle, you cannot put such a large helmet and especially under the helmet.

Motorcycle noise

When you get on your motorcycle or scooter, the noise comes from two separate sources: the first concerns mechanical noise, the second the aerodynamic noise.If we clearly hear the engine, the turnover or the exhaust at low speed, it is especially the sound of the wind which takes over in the high speed helmet and the whistling thus caused, which quickly exceeds 90 dB,Leads to increased fatigue and results in buzzing when you stop, a sign of hearing.

If no one reacts in the same way to noise, it is better to protect yourself effectively so as not to undergo long -term lesion.And for that, even the quietest helmet on the market will not be enough.There is therefore no other appeal than to wear an individual protector against noise (PICB), for the motorcycle in the form of earplugs while otherwise there are antibruity helmets.

The different types of passive or active hearing protection

There are many types of hearing protection, from the most basic cap to tailor -made prostheses, each each having its advantages and disadvantages.

We then distinguish the so -called passive protections - that is to say not incumbent any electronic technology - and active protections whose efficiency is reinforced by electronic technologies of the ANR type or "Active Noise Reduction".

Passive protections are entirely based on the sound insulating power of the materials used and passive filter systems.

Les niveaux de filtres - en SNR

Personal protective equipment (EPI) or individual protector against noise (PICB) offers a level of hearing protection noted according to a SNR value (to Noise Ratio) signal).

Most passive protection picb compliant with the NF EN352 standard offer a weakening value ranging from 15 decibels to 40 decibels.Higher attenuation necessarily involves active protection.

Bouchons d'oreille basiques

Waxeds and foam caps are the most affordable solution on the market.It must be said that their operation is extremely simple and makes it possible to drop the noise level between 30 and 40 decibels on average.However, noise attenuation is global and affects all frequencies.So, if you will no longer be bothered by the breath wind, the vehicle that arrives behind you will also see its covered noise.

Another drawback, these types of traffic jams can be extremely unpleasant to carry due to the pressure exerted in the ear which can cause simple discomfort to the loss of balance according to individuals.Finally, when you use traffic jams daily, even at low price, the choice of a reusable model can quickly prove more economical.

On the price side, it takes less than 20 cents the pair of disposable foam plugs and about 30 cents the pair of wax balls (not reusable), prices climb the pair in the most famous brands one euro.

Bouchons antibruits en silicone

Fortunately, anti -burly plugs have been able to evolve towards a honeycomb structure which makes it possible to reduce the importance of noise more strongly, to reduce up to more than 90 dB the volume heard.Sold around € 5 per pair in major brands, these protections are often less annoying to wear, but also filter all noises and therefore prove to be dangerous in motorcycle use, since we then cut ourselves too much'outside.

Bouchon filtrés pour moto

Unlike the protections cut for work, specialized brands have gradually developed traffic jams capable of filtering certain frequencies, especially for musicians who chain concerts.

The principle has been declined at the motorcycle by offering traffic jams, in silicone most of the time, which obscure the low (engine) and high (whistling) frequencies to let the mediums pass by.

Here, attenuation can oscillate between 15 and 30 dB on average, but it is freed from the sensation "of the muffling of the noise" and lets pass a relatively clear sound.The pressure felt at the level of the ear is also attenuated.

Several brands offer traffic jams specially adapted to the motorcycle with designed shapes so as not to hinder when putting the helmet.We will notably cite Earsonics with its earpads sold 26 €, Alpine and its Motosafe range sold between 14.95 euros and 27.95 euros, Alvis Audio MK2 in MK5 sold between 25 € and 40 €, non -OOISE MOTO at 22.95 € orStill the Pinlock Earplugs at 24.95 euros.

Bouchons filtrés sur mesure

If this is still not suitable, for example because your auditory duct is too small and the traffic jams hurt or conversely too large and that these "float", then you will have to turn to tailor-made.

There, it is a question of molding plugs in the shape of the ear and the ear canal to design a tailor -made filter which will be perfectly suited to its owner.We must then turn to certain hearing -checksists such as Audika or Protac.Brands such that Alvis are also tailor-made.On the price side, the addition is necessarily more salty and the price runs between 100 and 150 euros.

These traffic jams can also offer health protection by protecting dust and bacteria.

Active noise reduction to ANR technology (Active Noise Reduction)

And active noise reduction in all of this?Developed in the 1930s and then popularized in the 1950s in aviation, the active reduction in noise has been democratized for a few years with helmets and headphones with electronic noise reduction which allow "to disappear" certain frequencies.Bose is one of the best known actors with his audios helmets with Sony and Sennheiser (there are cheaper alternatives), whose efficiency is impressive, especially when using a plane trip, makingalmost disappear the sound of the reactors.But technology extends since it now equips mobile phone earphones like Apple AirPods.

However, these systems have not been adapted to the motorcycle and are most often too bulky to enter a motorcycle helmet properly.

What if the solution came from integrated noise reducer headsets?Each year we discover more and more technological headgear with integrated cameras, head-up displays or integrated communication kits, even if the motorhomes active noise reduction remain absent.A few years ago Sena had, however, promised an integral of this type.In 2019, it was Daal that presented an active noise reduction system that would be the subject of a partnership with Nolan.Helmet without wind noise is therefore soon.

In the meantime, we advise you to never go on a roadtrip or travel without having your pair of ear protection with you, because a trip with less noise is also less fatigue and therefore the ability to better appreciate the road.

Plus d'infos sur les protections auditives