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Two solutions to the problem of noise exposure for motorcyclists
A W McCombe1, J Binnington, D Nash
1Department of Otolaryngology, Southmead Hospital, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, UK.
Abstract:
Two solutions to the problem of excessive noise exposure and consequent hearing loss in motorcyclists were investigated and are described. One was an antecedent behaviour-modifying 'prompting' strategy, where a set of earplugs and an advice sheet were provided at the point of sale to consecutive purchasers of new motorcycle crash helmets. Forty-eight riders were recruited but data for analysis were only available in 41. The earplug usage rate was significantly increased from 27% to 83% by this intervention. The second solution involves various aerodynamics and sound-proofing helmet modifications made in an effort to reduce interior noise levels. The only modification which achieved a significant reduction from previously reported average sound levels was the incorporation of a pair of 'standard' earmuffs under the helmet shell. This gave noise levels of 84 dB(A) at 22 m/s (50 mph) and 93 dB(A) at 36 m/s (80 mph), compared to known average values of 95 dB(A) and 107 dB(A), respectively. Both solutions are eminently feasible and desirable, and we hope that the motorcycle industry will act on them.
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