Wind Noise and Tinnitus

Wind Noise and Tinnitus

by Sandy in Richmond

I love the wind in my face and hair as I'm cruising down the highway as much as the next rider but I've had to learn the hard way (experience), that wind can very easily do damage to your ear drum. It happened to me and it has nothing to do with getting older - I'm a female rider who is a young 38 years old. It can happen to anyone who doesn't protect their ears when riding. Even the doctor I went to learned something new to pass on to other motorcyclists.

The damage is irreversable. I have near constant tinnitus - ringing in the ear. I annoy the hell out of people with "Huh? what'd ya say?". When I use the phone, voices sound like Donald Duck talking underwater.

I wear earplugs when I ride now. They're attached to my helmet strap. It may look un-cool, but I'm trying to save what hearing I have left. It's not going to keep me from riding (that would take a cold day in Hell). If I can keep someone else from suffering the same loss by passing on the advise - WEAR EAR PROTECTION! Use either a helmet with the earcuffs or plugs. Don't think it can't happen to you.

Thanks for visiting VirginiaWind.