I have tinnitus. BTW, the worst side effect of hearing lose. I have noticed an increase in the noise in my ears over the past year, when I started riding. It could be because my hearing is just getting worse, or it could be because of may riding. It is hard to say.

But the one poster brings up a very good point. Is it better to be able to hear the cars behind you or is it better to risk hearing loss?

The one poster brings up a good idea about the straps. Perhaps and additional device could be slipped on the straps that cover the ear from the front but not in the back.

The problem is that we experience high decibel levels where you don't realize it. For example, I read somewhere that taking a shower presents a risk.

Unless I can find hearing protection that protects me but still allows me to hear traffic, I doubt if I will wear hearing protection when riding.


Please do take steps to protect your hearing where you can. I would give anything to not have this constant ringing in my ears. If you hearing ringing in your ears after being in a noisy enviroment then you have done damage. If you do this enough that ringing could stay with you the rest of your life.