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

[Phil Stracchino]

On Fri, Aug 22, 2003 at 02:53:19PM -0700, N.Miller wrote:
> 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? :-)

I just think it's ass-stupid that the law makes such an asinine
distinction in the first place.  The only person I know who ever got
ticketed for wearing earplugs inside his helmet beat the ticket by
citing OSHA noise regs anyway.

> 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?

No, mine are just passive right now.  I bought my passives before I had 
any real need for actives, and now that it would be useful I can't spare
the money.  :p

> 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.

That's possible.  I do buy my helmets for a very snug fit, yes.  if the
helmet moves relative to my head when I shake my head, it's too loose.
I don't *think* the plug was touching the shell, but the liner could
have been touching the end of it.

> 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.

Actually, I don't think I'd want that on the bike.  I find I prefer not
to have the distraction when I'm riding.

> Excessive noise levels is also a major cause of fatigue.

So I've heard.  I've never had a fatigue problem riding solo trips up to
200 miles at a stretch.

> electronic ear plugs with two-way radio interface for shooting
> as well as playing scenario paintball. ;-)  More geek toys for
> the wish list.

yeah, the main reason I want active ear protection is for instruction. 
As one Dillon ad I saw said, "It's hard to sound as calm and cool as
Chuck Yeager when you have to shout to be heard."


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