Which statement about wind noise and hearing protection is true?

Which statement about wind noise and hearing protection is true?

• A. Wind noise has no long-term effects on hearing.
• B. Ear protection is optional in quiet neighborhoods.
• C. Prolonged exposure to wind noise can cause irreversible hearing damage.
• D. Ear protection makes you less visible.

Answer: (C)

Wind noise from riding at highway speeds can be very loud, often around 90 dB or more. When you’re exposed to that level for long periods, it can cause irreversible noise-induced hearing loss. Wearing hearing protection—such as earplugs or earmuffs designed for motorcyclists—reduces the amount of sound that reaches the inner ear and helps preserve your hearing over time. This protection is important even on quiet streets, because the risk comes from how long you’re exposed to wind noise while riding, not from the neighborhood’s background sound. Ear protection doesn’t affect your visibility.

Wind noise from riding at highway speeds can be very loud, often around 90 dB or more. When you’re exposed to that level for long periods, it can cause irreversible noise-induced hearing loss. Wearing hearing protection—such as earplugs or earmuffs designed for motorcyclists—reduces the amount of sound that reaches the inner ear and helps preserve your hearing over time. This protection is important even on quiet streets, because the risk comes from how long you’re exposed to wind noise while riding, not from the neighborhood’s background sound. Ear protection doesn’t affect your visibility.