Two solutions to the problem of noise exposure for motorcyclists.

Two solutions to the problem of excessive noise exposure and consequent hearing loss in motorcyclists were investigated and are described. One was an antecedent behaviour-modifying 'prompting' strategy, where a set of earplugs and an advice sheet were provided at the point of sale to consecutive purchasers of new motorcycle crash helmets. Forty-eight riders were recruited but data for analysis were only available in 41. The earplug usage rate was significantly increased from 27% to 83% by this intervention. The second solution involves various aerodynamics and sound-proofing helmet modifications made in an effort to reduce interior noise levels. The only modification which achieved a significant reduction from previously reported average sound levels was the incorporation of a pair of 'standard' earmuffs under the helmet shell. This gave noise levels of 84 dB(A) at 22 m/s (50 mph) and 93 dB(A) at 36 m/s (80 mph), compared to known average values of 95 dB(A) and 107 dB(A), respectively. Both solutions are eminently feasible and desirable, and we hope that the motorcycle industry will act on them.