As an experienced R&D engineer with decades of expertise, I found myself facing unexpected and concerning results during our recent motorcycle ride testing. Our objective was to accurately measure and record the sounds within a motorcycle helmet, with a focus on in-ear sound pressure levels (SPL). The outcome not only affected our team but also personally impacted me as the test rider. In this article, we reveal the crucial data we gathered and how it served as a wake-up call to address noise reduction for riders.
SPL measurement might seem straightforward, but it demands meticulous calibration of microphones and recording devices, ensuring traceability back to standardized pressure. In our case, the data analysis involved scrutinizing the SPLs recorded during numerous motorcycle rides. As the owner of the helmet and bike used in one of the tests, the results hit home for me, as I realized the intensity of sound I had been exposed to during my rides.
The graph displayed on our screen conveyed troubling news – the SPLs we measured were far more extreme than anticipated. This revelation had a profound impact, not only on our research but on our personal well-being. We recognized that our own hearing might have suffered damage due to prolonged exposure to high sound levels.
However, this data wasn’t merely a cause for alarm; it became the catalyst for designing a system to safeguard riders’ hearing.
As the data confirmed the urgency of addressing noise reduction for riders, we became even more determined to develop an innovative solution. With the insights gleaned from our research, we embarked on designing a revolutionary system that would mitigate the impact of excessive sound pressure levels on riders’ ears.
The motorcycle ride testing not only revealed the sobering reality of our own personal hearing damage but also fueled our commitment to rider safety. Armed with crucial data and a renewed purpose, we set out to revolutionize noise reduction for motorcyclists. At the core of our mission is the desire to ensure that every rider can enjoy their passion for motorcycling without compromising their hearing health.
