Noise and Hearing (was Re: [rescue] Re: Throw another packet on the server...)

[N.Miller]

On Friday, August 22, 2003, at 01:21 PM, Phil Stracchino wrote:
> Note for anyone in California (quirk of law):  In California, it is
> illegal to wear over-the-counter earplugs of any kind while operating a
> motorcycle.  Custom-molded earplugs such as Nadine has just described,
> however, are legal.  Go figure.

Yes, but do you really think a CHP guy knows the diff b/w a "real"
custom ear plug and an OTC ear plug? :-)

> Personally, I prefer ear defenders to plugs for shooting, and I only
> once wore earplugs (inside a full-face helmet) while riding ....
> curiously, it seemed to me that the perceived noise level was much
> higher with earplugs and helmet than with helmet alone.  I've never 
> come
> up with a good explanation for this.  In particular, wind roar in my
> right ear became REALLY offensive -- it went from something I scarcely
> noticed to a major distraction that seriously affected my 
> concentration.

Do your ear defenders have the electronic unit that hooks
over and goes behind your ear?  What sort of plug fits into
your ear canal?

If your helmet fits tightly, as it should, then you may have
been getting the vibration from the shell of the helmet into
your earplug.  I have this problem with one set of my silicone
ear plugs, and not the other.  The second set have been trimmed
down so that they do not fill the bowl of my ear.

I need to have a chat with my manufacturer's tech guy who
specializes in the motor sports area to see what the "normal"
procedure is for alleviating this vibration transmission.  I
cut mine down as an experiment (costs me about $10 in materials
to make a set of ear plugs).  If I could afford it, I'd send in
for the heat set ear plugs that also have the monitors so I
could hook up my MP3 or MD player while riding.

Excessive noise levels is also a major cause of fatigue.

I'd certainly like to have a nice set of tactical/hunting
electronic ear plugs with two-way radio interface for shooting
as well as playing scenario paintball. ;-)  More geek toys for
the wish list.

=Nadine=