Motorcycling can cause permanent hearing damage unless you do what?

Wearing earplugs when motorcycling is crucial for protecting your hearing. The sound of wind rushing at high speeds and engine noise can be overwhelmingly loud, often reaching levels that are harmful to your hearing over time. By wearing earplugs, you can significantly reduce the noise exposure while still enjoying the ride. Earplugs help to attenuate harmful sounds without completely blocking out essential sounds that allow you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is critical for safety on the road.

Maintaining low speeds may reduce the wind noise somewhat, but it is not a reliable method for preventing hearing damage, as even at lower speeds, prolonged exposure can still be harmful. Limiting your rides could decrease noise exposure, but it doesn't address the risk during the rides you do take. Using a sound system can create additional noise, which could further contribute to hearing damage if not managed properly. Therefore, wearing earplugs is the most effective way to protect your hearing while enjoying the experience of riding a motorcycle.