Fit Bones

Like all our senses, we don't think about them until we lose them - or we find they're not working as they should. Hearing is one of those senses that drops off gradually without you really noticing until one day, you find you keep saying "WHAT??".

Hearing reduces as we age, and, at around 60, we move into age related hearing loss territory. It's called 'Presbycusis', in case you're interested.  For some people this will start earlier and things like genetics, lifestyle, and occupation often play a part.

Activities that can contribute to an earlier onset of Presbycusis or other forms of hearing loss include shooting, loud concerts, and general exposure to loud noise at home or at work.

Motorcycling is included in this, with persistent wind noise being a factor, and especially if you're using loud aftermarket exhausts.

Things we can do to help protect against age related hearing loss:

Wear ear protectors when in noisy environments. If you're using earphones for music while you're on the bike, keep the volume low. Alternatively, wear ear plugs to help keep out wind and exhaust noise (especially those large V twins).

But it's not just 'us' 

Others may not hear or see you, and it's useful to be one step ahead when you suspect someone has not seen or heard you. For cost reasons and ease of passing the legal requirements for homologation, all motorcycles are fitted with the most basic of horns that emit only a feeble 'beep'.  The first thing to do with your bike is to junk that tin horn and replace it with a decent one that shouts, "I'M HERE!".

I'm a great fan of Denali horns and fit them to all my bikes. Nope, they're not paying me to promote them...