Helmet noise reduction

[GaryTheBadger]

I'm looking for advise on helmet noise reduction. I always wear earplugs, but there's still a hurricane inside my helmet at freeway speeds. It's a full-face modular and the visor is always closed. The wind noise is definately coming from underneath, more so on the right side (a helmet communicator is attached to the left side, so there's a clue).

As it is now, long freeway trips are very unpleasant and I have to find a way to prevent worsening tinnitus and hyperacusis, else give up motorcycling ...its getting that bad.

Does anyone have experience with devices like the Windjammer, Helmet-Muffler or others? Do they work? Do thay last?

 

[BajaRon]

I'm looking for advise on helmet noise reduction. I always wear earplugs, but there's still a hurricane inside my helmet at freeway speeds. It's a full-face modular and the visor is always closed. The wind noise is definately coming from underneath, more so on the right side (a helmet communicator is attached to the left side, so there's a clue).

As it is now, long freeway trips are very unpleasant and I have to find a way to prevent worsening tinnitus and hyperacusis, else give up motorcycling ...its getting that bad.

Does anyone have experience with devices like the Windjammer, Helmet-Muffler or others? Do they work? Do thay last?

Not all ear plugs are created equal. There are differing levels of attenuation in ear plugs. I wear 24db or higher when I ride.

In the fire service I discovered that many people do not insert the ear plug correctly so it isn’t really doing the job.

Don’t know if either of these applies to you, just a general starting point.

Different helmet designs tend to make different amounts of noise. Modular helmets generate more noise because there are more lumps, bumps and seams. In a 70 mph wind, a small edge can make a lot of noise.

Different brands will make more or less noise depending on how well the parts fit together.

Next step is, does your helmet fit correctly? Most people (about 70% or 7 out of 10) wear a helmet at least 1 size too large (and many are 2 sizes up from what they should wear), acccording to studies done by Arai and others. An amazing number but after selling helmets for over 12 years, I’ve found this to be pretty accurate.

A helmet too large is not only going to be very noisy, it’s not going to protect you when you need it. It can come off your head almost immediately and then you’re left to bounce down the road without protection.

In my experience, these other devices do a reasonable job, with some drawbacks. But my feeling is, they are prosthetic fixes for people that don’t correct the issues listed above.

Riding with too much noise is fatiguing. I hope you can work this out.

 

[kentompkins]

Boy, am I glad that Gary brought this up! I began to think I was the only one. What he describes is exactly what I experience.

My helmet is a Shoei modular and my earphones are Etymotics 6i. I insert them as per the Etymotic video -- turn them in from horizontal to vertical.

I have read here about owners who listen to their mp3 players -- direct connect or bluetooth -- and have to turn the volume down! I can never get it high enough to hear clearly (btw, I do not have noticeable hearing loss so that isn't the problem).

I have used both the Scala G4 and, recently, the Sena SMH10 which is supposed to have the loudest volume control of any of the helmet headsets. I have purchased the Sena earphone adapter so I can actually use the ER6i headphones.

I'd save up for another helmet if I was convinced that a non-modular helmet would fix the problem.

ken tompkins

 

[Eraser]

Different helmet designs tend to make different amounts of noise. Modular helmets generate more noise because there are more lumps, bumps and seams. In a 70 mph wind, a small edge can make a lot of noise.

Different brands will make more or less noise depending on how well the parts fit together.

Next step is, does your helmet fit correctly? Most people (about 70% or 7 out of 10) wear a helmet at least 1 size too large (and many are 2 sizes up from what they should wear), acccording to studies done by Arai and others. An amazing number but after selling helmets for over 12 years, I’ve found this to be pretty accurate.

A helmet too large is not only going to be very noisy, it’s not going to protect you when you need it. It can come off your head almost immediately and then you’re left to bounce down the road without protection.

In my experience, these other devices do a reasonable job, with some drawbacks. But my feeling is, they are prosthetic fixes for people that don’t correct the issues listed above.

Riding with too much noise is fatiguing. I hope you can work this out.

:agree:100%...Start with a properly fitted helmut.Then begin adding ear-plugs-etc. if/as needed.

 

[GaryTheBadger]

BajaRon - I'm using the highest DB reduction earplugs I can find (-33db) and positively inserting them correctly (10+ years experience and many audiologist consultations).

Next up is the helmet itself...how exactly does one determine proper fit? How can I tell if mine is too big?

 

[IWN2RYD]

Well crap! This whole time I thought that all the noise was my passenger :roflblack:hyea::shemademe_smilie:

 

[Ltownblue]

BajaRon - I'm using the highest DB reduction earplugs I can find (-33db) and positively inserting them correctly (10+ years experience and many audiologist consultations).

Next up is the helmet itself...how exactly does one determine proper fit? How can I tell if mine is too big?

Even with proper insertion, the rated NRR is not necessarily realized. There is a safety factor that should always be taken into account with hearing protection that allows for leaks in the seal, vibration and / or improper insertion. That safety factor is calculated by subtracting 7 from the given NRR and then dividing that number by 2. Therefore if your earplugs have an NRR of -33, you could only be receiving a true NRR of (33-7) / 2 or 13.

 

[NancysToy]

BajaRon - I'm using the highest DB reduction earplugs I can find (-33db) and positively inserting them correctly (10+ years experience and many audiologist consultations).

Next up is the helmet itself...how exactly does one determine proper fit? How can I tell if mine is too big?

Even with proper insertion, the rated NRR is not necessarily realized. There is a safety factor that should always be taken into account with hearing protection that allows for leaks in the seal, vibration and / or improper insertion. That safety factor is calculated by subtracting 7 from the given NRR and then dividing that number by 2. Therefore if your earplugs have an NRR of -33, you could only be receiving a true NRR of (33-7) / 2 or 13.

:agree: For the best fit, use the custom-molded earplugs. Ears are as individual as fingerprints, but earplugs do not really adapt to the ear, unless they are the cheap sponge type.

I also agree with Ron's thoughts on the helmet itself. Besides the fact that modulars are louder, most helmets are position-sensitive, and are louder when sitting upright, that when leaned into the wind. There is a huge difference between helmet brands, too, due to aerodynamics, liner variations, and different vent structures/positions. Switching brands of helmets can help...but it is always a crap shoot, since they can't be tried out while riding.

As another possible solution, try changing the windshield (or adjusting an adjustable one), or installing wind deflectors below the windshield on the Spyder (RS model).

 

[sabunim5]

Here is a link to a good article on helmet noise.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/helmet-noise.htm

 

[BajaRon]

Well crap! This whole time I thought that all the noise was my passenger :roflblack:hyea::shemademe_smilie:

Sorry, in all my years of riding and selling MC gear, I have not come up with a resonable, legal fix for this issue! :roflblack:

 

[kokki]

I have read that some 2wheelers drill holes in the windshield, in the bottom of glass, it will mix the turbulences and noise will reduce.

 

[Tom in NM]

a very personal issue

:agree: For the best fit, use the custom-molded earplugs. Ears are as individual as fingerprints, but earplugs do not really adapt to the ear, unless they are the cheap sponge type.

I also agree with Ron's thoughts on the helmet itself. Besides the fact that modulars are louder, most helmets are position-sensitive, and are louder when sitting upright, that when leaned into the wind. There is a huge difference between helmet brands, too, due to aerodynamics, liner variations, and different vent structures/positions. Switching brands of helmets can help...but it is always a crap shoot, since they can't be tried out while riding.

As another possible solution, try changing the windshield (or adjusting an adjustable one), or installing wind deflectors below the windshield on the Spyder (RS model).

This whole helmet noise thing can be a real problem and the solution will be very custom and personal for you.

I agree with Ron and NancysToy. The formula is something like this:

Windshield + Helmet + Position + Earplugs + Your Head = "quiet ride"

And every element is very personal. My biggest problem is that I have yet to find a helmet that does not transmit sound into my skull. Rub your hand on your head or ears and if you hear it, just consider how it can "get to you" if that is a constant sound. And with earplugs, that sound is focused and contained within your head - same effect if you eat potato chips with your ears sealed when wearing earplugs. While sound is a vibration, helmet vibration may be the real problem that you are experiencing. Shorter hair also seems to aggravate the issue. Or, the helmet is rubbing your ears and transmitting that sound/vibration. Maybe you just need larger pockets for your ears.

The first thing I did that made the biggest difference was my windshield - I got the adjustable Madstad. That solved 80% of the problem. You can check to see if that is the biggest part of the sound issue by "pushing" the air envelope around your helmet with your free hand when you are riding. If that drops the sound you are hearing significantly, look for a windshield that you can adjust. If you know other riders who have different kinds of windshields, see if you can test them out.

My helmet picked up every little vibration and sent it into my head. It was blissfully quiet if I turned my head to the far left or right at highway speeds, but, that was not good for watching the road ahead. So, if you find your head position significantly changes the "sound" you are hearing/feeling, look for a different helmet. I have been through several. What I found was that riding without a helmet and just using earplugs worked best. Obviously, not the best or safest option ( or even legal in some areas ).

Anyway, keep tweaking the elements in that formula above and you should get to something you can enjoy.

Tom

 

[BajaRon]

BajaRon - I'm using the highest DB reduction earplugs I can find (-33db) and positively inserting them correctly (10+ years experience and many audiologist consultations).

Next up is the helmet itself...how exactly does one determine proper fit? How can I tell if mine is too big?

There are a lot of variables and we are dealing in generalities here. It's like most fitted items, when you know how it is supposed to fit, you can tell instantly. Most people abhor a properly fitted helmet (hence, the high number of riders wearing a helmet that does not fit). That is because their expectations are wrong. This stems from the fact that there isn't anything else that the average person wears that correlates to a motorcycle helmet.

The rule of thumb is that you want a helmet as tight as you can get it without giving you a headache. This may be a bit severe but does convey the importance of a snug fitting helmet.

At the risk of a “Oh No! Not again” story. I spent many years in the fire service. I was amazed at how many times a rider’s helmet would come off in an accident. Chin strap still securely fastened. Cause? Helmet too big!

A helmet that is too big will move around on your head in buffeting winds. But I wore a helmet one size too large for years and I would have said, ‘My helmet does not move around on my head in buffeting winds’. That is, until (after seeing what happened to other riders) I decided to get the right sized helmet NO MATTER WHAT!

Once I started riding with the correct helmet size (which seemed WAY TOO TIGHT at first), I began to realize how much my previous helmets had been moving around on my head.

Quickie test.

Put your helmet on with the chin strap snug (which it should always be). Shake your head vigorously left to right watching the face shield for movement. If the helmet does not follow your head movements very closely or it feels sloppy, the helmet is not fitted properly. The same point on the face shield should pretty much remain stationary in front of your face. If you can actually feel the helmet moving on your head it is too big.

Do the same procedure, front to back (nodding yes with gusto). Some helmets will fit just fine side to side, and not at all front to back (or vise versa). You need a helmet that fits all aspects of your head well to get good protection.

A more accurate test procedure. (If the quickie test above is not conclusive, or seems to indicate a properly fitted helmet)

Push the helmet side to side (pushing towards each ear) while trying your best to keep your head still. You should not be able to move the helmet much at all without your head moving.

Do the same thing, front to back. If you feel the helmet move at all (padding slides on your head, or any more than slight helmet movement without head movement, you’re helmet is not fitting you properly.

If you can, reach over the top of the helmet, grab it at the bottom in the very back and pull up and forward, slowly increasing the pressure. Do it fairly hard because in an accident, the forces exerted will be much greater than what you will exert in this little test. If the helmet feels like it’s trying to come off, it is probaby not fitting your head properly, and may actually come off in an accident.

If you can’t do this yourself, have someone stand behind you and do the same thing while you hold your head as still as you can.

Now you can measure your head. The best thing to use is the cloth tape your wife has in her sewing kit. Short of that, you can use a string or similar flexible item the DOES NOT STRETCH! Measure around your head about ¾” above your eyebrows, to the biggest (or, as my wife would say, FATTEST part of your head). Pull the tape tight, if you’re using string, get it snug but not real tight because it will sink into your skin and give you too small a measurement. That’s why I really recommend the sewing tape. Do this several times until you get the same measurement every time.

Centimeters are better than Inches because they will give you a more precise number.

Once you have this number, compare it to the manufacturer’s recommended head sizing.

This is not really the end of the story, but it's a good start and I’m running a bit long here. I know this may seem daunting. But it’s well worth the effort. Once you experience a properly fitted helmet, you'll be glad you went to the trouble.

One more thing. Helmet padding is designed to form fit to your face/head. So, you must purchase a new helmet that is actually a bit TOO tight. Otherwise, when the padding seats in, it will be too big and no longer fit properly.

 

[woodchuck]

helmet noise

I'm looking for advise on helmet noise reduction. I always wear earplugs, but there's still a hurricane inside my helmet at freeway speeds. It's a full-face modular and the visor is always closed. The wind noise is definately coming from underneath, more so on the right side (a helmet communicator is attached to the left side, so there's a clue).

As it is now, long freeway trips are very unpleasant and I have to find a way to prevent worsening tinnitus and hyperacusis, else give up motorcycling ...its getting that bad.

Does anyone have experience with devices like the Windjammer, Helmet-Muffler or others? Do they work? Do thay last?

I never had this problem as long as I have been riding.
Maybe because I wear two hearing aids and the wind doesn't bother me.

 

[NancysToy]

I'll add one thing to Ron's helmet fitting mini-seminar. The helmet should contact all around the head, evenly. If you feel pressure spots, or see redness after you remove it, don't go to a larger helmet, go to a different helmet make or model. Arai is the only helmet manufacturer, to my knowledge, that makes several different shapes, but different helmet brands, and even different models within one brand, vary slightly in shape, and may offer a better fit.

 

[BajaRon]

I'll add one thing to Ron's helmet fitting mini-seminar. The helmet should contact all around the head, evenly. If you feel pressure spots, or see redness after you remove it, don't go to a larger helmet, go to a different helmet make or model. Arai is the only helmet manufacturer, to my knowledge, that makes several different shapes, but different helmet brands, and even different models within one brand, vary slightly in shape, and may offer a better fit.

Sorry about the mini-seminar. I know that was long, and, as Scotty points out, still not comprehensive. Head shape can also be a factor.

 

[Spyder Cat]

There are a lot of variables and we are dealing in generalities here. It's like most fitted items, when you know how it is supposed to fit, you can tell instantly. Most people abhor a properly fitted helmet (hence, the high number of riders wearing a helmet that does not fit). That is because their expectations are wrong. This stems from the fact that there isn't anything else that the average person wears that correlates to a motorcycle helmet.

The rule of thumb is that you want a helmet as tight as you can get it without giving you a headache. This may be a bit severe but does convey the importance of a snug fitting helmet. . . . .
QUOTE]

I'll add one thing to Ron's helmet fitting mini-seminar. The helmet should contact all around the head, evenly. If you feel pressure spots, or see redness after you remove it, don't go to a larger helmet, go to a different helmet make or model. Arai is the only helmet manufacturer, to my knowledge, that makes several different shapes, but different helmet brands, and even different models within one brand, vary slightly in shape, and may offer a better fit.

Thanks for those great instructions! :clap: Lots to take into consideration.

Recently I was fitted with a helmet by a local 'pro' and the fit he suggested was just like you described Ron; but I thought it was too tight in certain spots. So, I'm doing what Scotty recommended, trying different brands & styles, and what a selection to chose from!!! :yikes:

However, we have determined that it's not all helmet-related ..... the RT with windshield raised is sooo much quieter (perhaps less deafening) than the RS, even with the 23" windshield.

We just installed the RoboBracket Kit and adapter plate from Magstad, and what a difference it's made already, just after the initial installation . . . . can't wait til the weekend so we can get the adjustments dialed in.

So, between that and a new helmet fitted properly, I'm ready to ryde! :yes:

 

[BajaRon]

There are a lot of variables and we are dealing in generalities here. It's like most fitted items, when you know how it is supposed to fit, you can tell instantly. Most people abhor a properly fitted helmet (hence, the high number of riders wearing a helmet that does not fit). That is because their expectations are wrong. This stems from the fact that there isn't anything else that the average person wears that correlates to a motorcycle helmet.

The rule of thumb is that you want a helmet as tight as you can get it without giving you a headache. This may be a bit severe but does convey the importance of a snug fitting helmet. . . . .
QUOTE]




Thanks for those great instructions! :clap: Lots to take into consideration.

Recently I was fitted with a helmet by a local 'pro' and the fit he suggested was just like you described Ron; but I thought it was too tight in certain spots. So, I'm doing what Scotty recommended, trying different brands & styles, and what a selection to chose from!!! :yikes:

However, we have determined that it's not all helmet-related ..... the RT with windshield raised is sooo much quieter (perhaps less deafening) than the RS, even with the 23" windshield.

We just installed the RoboBracket Kit and adapter plate from Magstad, and what a difference it's made already, just after the initial installation . . . . can't wait til the weekend so we can get the adjustments dialed in.

So, between that and a new helmet fitted properly, I'm ready to ryde! :yes:

Wind impact is, of course, a factor. My direction was helmet based because windshields are another issue altogether.

Gettting fitted by a 'Pro' is a good idea. You still have to be careful because most are a salesman first and may tend to steer you towards what they have instead of what might be best.

Depending on which helmet you tried on, and where it was tight. I might be able to help you look in the right direction.

 

[NancysToy]

Sorry about the mini-seminar. I know that was long, and, as Scotty points out, still not comprehensive. Head shape can also be a factor.

Don't be sorry. This is good stuff, and important to riders. Helmet fit is a mystery to most helmet buyers...and many salesmen, too. You done good, Ron!!! :thumbup:

 

[CyncySpyder]

EAR PLUGS

These are what I use, & I won't ryde without them :2thumbs: