Wtf????

[Kindsvater Flat]

Why can't the people who don't like loud boats wear ear plugs? This is funny.
Motorcycle Noise Poses Hearing Risk
Wed Dec 8, 5:02 PM ET
[Add to My Yahoo!] Health - HealthDay
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 8 (HealthDayNews) -- Your hearing may be at risk if you were born to be wild.
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In an informal survey of 33 motorcycles, University of Florida audiologists found that nearly half of them produced sounds above 100 decibels when throttled up -- equivalent in intensity to a loud rock concert or a chainsaw. The survey is part of an ongoing effort to identify recreational activities that may pose a risk to hearing, including noise levels experienced by motorcyclists, the researchers said.
The audiologists noted that the sample was small and not representative of all makes and models and those motorcycles with exhaust systems modified to make them louder. So formal research is needed to measure noise levels under typical riding conditions and to determine whether these early survey findings can be generalized to a larger number of bikes, they added.
Exposure to noise at 100 decibels is safe for only 15 minutes and permanent hearing loss can occur with prolonged exposure to noise levels of 85 decibels or higher, says the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
"Almost all of the motorcycles we tested reached action-level noise, which in the workplace would require ear protection," UF researcher Joy Colle said in a prepared statement.
"The loudest bike we tested measured 119 decibels with the engine revved, and the recommended exposure time at the level is only 11 seconds."
"Potentially, the vast majority of motorcyclists could be exposed to dangerous levels of noise," Colle said.
Motorcycle helmets don't offer any significant protection against noise. But inexpensive foam earplugs can reduce sound levels by 20 to 25 decibels, Colle said.
A ringing sound in the ears immediately after exposure and muffled hearing are warning signs of noise-induced hearing loss, which is permanent.

[Sleek-Jet]

Why can't the people who don't like loud boats wear ear plugs? This is funny.
Motorcycle Noise Poses Hearing Risk
Wed Dec 8, 5:02 PM ET
[Add to My Yahoo!] Health - HealthDay
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 8 (HealthDayNews) -- Your hearing may be at risk if you were born to be wild.
Yahoo! Health
Have questions about your health?
Find answers here.
In an informal survey of 33 motorcycles, University of Florida audiologists found that nearly half of them produced sounds above 100 decibels when throttled up -- equivalent in intensity to a loud rock concert or a chainsaw. The survey is part of an ongoing effort to identify recreational activities that may pose a risk to hearing, including noise levels experienced by motorcyclists, the researchers said.
The audiologists noted that the sample was small and not representative of all makes and models and those motorcycles with exhaust systems modified to make them louder. So formal research is needed to measure noise levels under typical riding conditions and to determine whether these early survey findings can be generalized to a larger number of bikes, they added.
Exposure to noise at 100 decibels is safe for only 15 minutes and permanent hearing loss can occur with prolonged exposure to noise levels of 85 decibels or higher, says the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
"Almost all of the motorcycles we tested reached action-level noise, which in the workplace would require ear protection," UF researcher Joy Colle said in a prepared statement.
"The loudest bike we tested measured 119 decibels with the engine revved, and the recommended exposure time at the level is only 11 seconds."
"Potentially, the vast majority of motorcyclists could be exposed to dangerous levels of noise," Colle said.
Motorcycle helmets don't offer any significant protection against noise. But inexpensive foam earplugs can reduce sound levels by 20 to 25 decibels, Colle said.
A ringing sound in the ears immediately after exposure and muffled hearing are warning signs of noise-induced hearing loss, which is permanent.
What did you say??? :D

[Rexone]

A ringing sound in the ears immediately after exposure and muffled hearing are warning signs of noise-induced hearing loss, which is permanent.
I know noise is a sensitive subject but this last sentence caught my eye because I've had this several times marathon ski racing when I forgot to put my ear plugs in (I don't forget any more, in fact I carry 2 pairs now). I now have reduced tone recognition noticibly in one ear I'm sure due to this. Probably happened a dozen times over about 15 years or so of racing, exposure about an hour at a time in the marathon races. I'd get out of the boat and my ears would ring so bad I couldn't even hear someone talking next to me unless they raised their voice.
So I'd say to everyone get ear plugs if you do anything that produces ringing afterwards (heavy drinking exempted). Whether it be a bike, boat, snowmobile, or stereo, ya only get 2 ears. I never thought much about it until I realized I couldn't hear on the phone as well in one ear and was favoring the other with the phone. It was then it became clear. The weak ear is the one that was always closest to the motor observing in the ski races. And the turbo motor boats I ride/rode in are much quietier than blown or carbureted motors alot of you guys run.

[Bad2DBone]

I hear ya. Some people just don't understand how beautiful an open header boat/car/bike sounds.
But on the other hand if some day you can't hear it any more then what. Every year at work we have a hearing test to make sure we aren't going deaf. So far in 17 years mine has stayed almost the same. But I know a few of the long timers who can't hear shit and they figure if they are going deaf why start to wear ear plugs now. The company supplies us with more then 6 types of ear plugs and muffs and a few years ago they had a vender come in and take molds of peoples ears for their own personal fit plugs if they wanted them. In 4 different colors. :notam:
It might not look "cool" but I would rather have me hearing when I'm 50 then have someone think I look like a dork today.

[rrrr]

I always wear ear plugs around loud noise. Working on a team in the IRL, I've noticed that very few crewmen wear ear protection during practice and quals. Of course, during the race we wear headphones. When the car leaves the pit the driver just floors it and dumps the hammer. The traction control software takes over and keeps the motor from overrevving, but it still turns around 9500 RPM on launch. It's unbelievably loud.
There are two 45 minute practice sessions the day before the race, and while working on setups the car will pit around every four or five laps. That's a lot of noise. All the other cars are pitting around us and doing laps at the same time, so the ambient noise level is easily over 100 dB the whole time except for yellows.
I think anyone that doesn't wear hearing protection in that environment is going to regret it later.
Heck, I even wear ear plugs when I'm using a leaf blower. Like someone said, you only have the two.....

[mirvin]

He fellas!! Have you tried "Hearos"?? They are great. I'm talking about the ones that are rubber and have a solid backing on them. They cost about $15 bucks but they're the last pair of earplugs you'll buy, until you loose them :D
mirvin :idea:

[HCS]

I've never put ear plugs in my ears. Races, rock concerts, boating, working in my shop. Doesn't matter, never wear them.
What did you say? :boxed: