Many an aging rider has that all too familiar “ringing in the ears”. What do you know about it?
Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. While tinnitus can occur at any age, it is more prevalent among older adults. Furthermore, research has suggested that motorcycle riding can increase the risk of tinnitus, especially in older adults. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between ringing in the ears, aging, and motorcycle riding safety.
First, let’s discuss tinnitus. Tinnitus is a perception of sound in the absence of an external source. It can be experienced as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds, and can be temporary or chronic. There are many causes of tinnitus, including exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax buildup, and certain medications. Age-related hearing loss is also a common cause of tinnitus among older adults.
As we age, our hearing naturally declines. This is because the tiny hair cells in our ears that are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals become damaged over time. As a result, older adults are more susceptible to hearing loss and tinnitus.
Now, let’s talk about motorcycle riding. Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and exciting way to get around, but it also comes with certain risks. One of those risks is exposure to loud noise. The sound of wind rushing past the helmet and the roar of the engine can both contribute to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.
Research has shown that older adults who ride motorcycles are at a higher risk of developing tinnitus than younger riders. This is likely because their hearing has already been affected by age-related hearing loss. Furthermore, studies have suggested that older riders are less likely to wear hearing protection while riding than younger riders, which may exacerbate the risk of tinnitus.
So, what can older motorcycle riders do to protect their hearing and reduce the risk of tinnitus? The most effective way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to wear earplugs or earmuffs while riding. This can reduce the amount of noise that reaches the ears and protect against tinnitus. Additionally, riders should avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise, such as riding for long periods without a break.
What helps
- Sound therapy: Using external sounds to mask or distract from the ringing or buzzing in the ears can help reduce the perception of tinnitus. This can be done with white noise machines, sound masking devices, or even listening to music.
- Stress reduction: Stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, so reducing stress and anxiety can help improve symptoms. This can be achieved through activities such as exercise, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Avoiding loud noise: Exposure to loud noise can worsen tinnitus symptoms, so it’s important to avoid or limit exposure to loud sounds. This can be achieved by wearing earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noise, and avoiding loud environments whenever possible.
It’s important to note that tinnitus is a complex condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, so what works for one person may not work for another. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or an audiologist to determine the best course of action for managing individual cases of tinnitus.
Ringing in the ears is a common condition that affects many people, especially as they age. Motorcycle riding can increase the risk of tinnitus, particularly among older adults who are already susceptible to hearing loss. To protect their hearing and reduce the risk of tinnitus, older riders should wear hearing protection and avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise. By taking these steps, older motorcycle riders can enjoy the freedom of the open road while protecting their hearing for years to come.