motorcyclebloggers.com

Read that carefully.  While all noises are actually vibrations, this theory is specifically the motorcycle vibration from riding and having your head inside a helmet.  An article posted at Faster and Faster cites an article from Bike Magazine, where Dr. Carley is suggesting that the motorcycle vibration alone aids in the hearing loss.

From the author who has read the Bike Magazine articel and paraphrased it:

But what’s more, the article goes on to explain that even using earplugs may not necessarily save our hearing. It says, ‘Earplugs give some protection, but a lot of what you’re hearing isn’t arriving via your ear canal. It’s being transmitted through your skull. Essentially, a helmet is a very noisy device attached to your head, so part of the potential damage comes from direct vibration of the cochlea.

Check out this pic of the ear.  I have not heard simple vibrations were a mechanism to hearing loss before.  However, I do know that the helmet does serve as a wonderful amplifier to the sound that does get into the helmet.  Of course, ear plugs take care of the wind noise but as suggested, do not dampen the actual vibration of the ear.

I’m not a hearing specialist, and have no idea.  What I do know is that my hearing is important to me.  I will take preventative measures, short of not riding, to protect my hearing.  It’s also important for my job as I have to identify squeaks and rattle (among other things) in cars.

There is a survey for the researchers here if you have the time.  Its about fifty questions and will probably take 10-15 minutes.  I can’t find anything online about the subject, but am now rather curious to read the original article. 

I happen to like my hearing as I know a few old timers whose hearing is shot.  WHAT?  HUH?  WHAT’D YOU SAY?  I don’t want that to be me.