The noise level quoted here is wind noise, not bike noise. Obviously some lids give better protection than others - but even so....
At speeds of around 40mph, the noise level at the rider’s ear is of the order of 85-90dB(A); a potentially damaging amount. The level increases to about 110dB(A) at around 100mph, a level that is “safe” for only about 3 minutes! At typical motorway speeds the sound level is around 100dB(A) and safe for about 30 minutes.
People often worry that using earplugs for this purpose will stop them hearing important warning signals such as sirens, horns and other traffic. Further research has shown that above about 45mph, when the wind-noise level exceeds 90dB(A), warning signal detection is in fact better with earplugs in place!
So the best advice is: use earplugs – not for short town journeys where speeds are likely to remain below 50mph – but for all longer journeys, especially motorway riding, where speeds in excess of 50mph are common.
info from The British Tinnitus Association
I suffer from tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and it varies from barely noticeable to deafening - always worse when I've been out on the bike. I never used to wear earplugs, thought it'd stop me hearing important stuff - and I know my cans are a touch on the loud side, but that's irrelevant - the damage to my ears has already been done by years of gigs, clubbing and of course riding. I've started wearing ear-plugs now ... wish I'd done it years ago
Examples of Decibel Levels (approx)
10 dB Normal breathing
20 dB Rustling leaves, mosquito
30 dB Whisper
40 dB Stream, fridge humming
50-65dBNormal conversation
70 dB Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer
75 dB Dishwasher
78 dB Washing machine
80 dB City traffic noise
84 dB Diesel truck
Prolonged exposure to any noise above 90 dB can cause gradual hearing loss
88 dB Subway, motorcycle
85-90dBLawnmower
100dB Train, garbage truck
98 dB Farm tractor
Regular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss:-
103 dB Jet flyover at 100 feet
105 dB Snowmobile
110 dB Jackhammer, power saw
(110 dB quoted before as approx 100mph on a bike)
120 dB Thunderclap
110-140dB Rock concerts
130 dB Jet takeoff, shotgun firing
thats why u should wear ear plugs kids. they are good
