Motorsport racing is a thrilling sport that has long captivated fans around the globe. The roaring engines and screeching tires create an exciting atmosphere, but they can also pose a risk to the hearing of drivers, riders and pit crews. In fact, did you know that constant exposure to motorsport engine noise and wind noise can lead to permanent hearing damage?
There is, however, a solution that allows you to continue to enjoy all the thrills of the race track and protect your ears: dedicated motorsports earplugs.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using earplugs specifically designed for people involved in motorsports and those who love to watch from the sidelines. We will also give you some tips on how you can continue to immerse yourself in the adrenaline-filled world of racing while safeguarding your hearing.
Noise Reduction For Drivers
Motorsports earplugs are specifically designed to reduce the amount of damaging noise that reaches your inner ears. At the same time, they allow you to continue to hear situational noises, which are important for communication and safety. By minimising the overwhelming roar of the wind and the engines, drivers, riders, and pit crews can remain alert and focused.
When you are in charge of a vehicle moving at such high speeds, you need to be able to make split-second decisions and maintain concentration, so shutting out excessive noise with quality motorsport ear plugs is another essential tool in the drive to win.
Enhanced Communication
In addition to blocking out extreme decibel levels, the right motorsport earplugs will enhance communications between drivers and their teams. Look for a combined Drivercomms and hearing protection filter to access crystal-clear communication that promotes situational awareness.
Custom Fitting
As every ear is uniquely shaped, selecting motorsport earplugs that can be custom fitted is vital. Proper fitting will ensure that the earpiece nestles snugly into the ear, which aids in reducing pressure while wearing protective headgear. For maximum isolation from damaging noise, medical grade soft silicone is an excellent choice - and to keep those comms up, you could look for a single lightweight speaker configuration that provides a clear vocal signal without adding extra weight to your kit.
Motorcycle Earplugs
Motorcycle race enthusiasts, or those riders that like to hit the road for lengthy tours, need protection from high wind noise - and large swathes of time being exposed to engine noise can also cause hearing damage. When it’s time to rev up your engines, be sure you are heading out protected by selecting a dedicated motorcycle earplug.
These types of motorsport earplugs will include a Pacs Pro filter - likely a Pacs Pro27. This filter blocks out damaging wind noise but still allows the noise of the engine and situational noises to be heard. Motorcyclists will need to choose earplugs that sit flush with their helmet, so a small form constructed from soft compound silicone that can be custom fit works best.
Reusable & Durable
Motorsports earplugs are designed to be reusable and durable, making them a cost-effective investment for racing enthusiasts. These earplugs should be made from high-quality materials resistant to sweat, moisture, and dirt. With proper care and maintenance, your motorsports earplugs will last for an extended period, ensuring reliable hearing protection throughout multiple racing seasons.
Reduced Occlusion
Another key point to consider when choosing motorsport earplugs is to find an earplug that carries the sound to your ear while retaining some natural quality. When the ear canal is blocked, sounds may begin to ‘boom’ inside your head - this is called occlusion.
You can largely avoid occlusion created by your motorsport earplugs by ensuring that the earplug extends deeply into the ear canal, past the cartilage - this will deaden the sound when it hits the plugs.
Extra Protection
For extra protection from debilitating occlusion, you can choose a PACS Pro filter which is vented to allow sound to pass both in and out of the ear canal. PACS Pro filters are the best choice if it’s a natural sound that is of primary importance to you. These filters should also be removable and regularly cleaned along with the plugs to maximise their longevity and effectiveness.
Preventing Tinnitus & Hearing Loss
Prolonged exposure to loud noise levels, such as those found in motorsports events, can lead to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and permanent hearing loss. Motorsports earplugs act as a barrier against these harmful noise levels, reducing the risk of developing these conditions. By wearing earplugs consistently as a spectator during motorsports events, you can safeguard your hearing and enjoy the races for years to come.
Invest In Your Hearing Health
Motorsports earplugs offer a practical and effective solution for protecting your ears while still enjoying the thrill of racing. These specialised ear plugs reduce noise levels, preserve sound quality, enhance speech perception, and prevent potential hearing damage.
With a customised fit, comfort, and durability, motorsports earplugs provide a reliable and long-lasting solution for motorsports enthusiasts. Incorporating motorsports earplugs into your racing experience allows you to continue to immerse yourself in the excitement without compromising your hearing health.
Get in Touch
At Pacific Ears, we have custom-designed motorsport earplugs for every driver, rider, crew member and spectator. You can browse our range of motorsports earplugs now, or if you want to know more about the intricacies of our motorsport earplug range, get in touch.
At Pacific Ears we have a selection of Earplugs for Motorsport
At Pacific Ears, we offer a selection of high-quality earplugs designed for drivers, pit crew members, and spectators who want to protect their hearing while enjoying the thrilling world of motorsports. Our earplugs provide the perfect balance of noise reduction and comfort, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the race without compromising your hearing health.
