The Link Between Cycling and Hearing Loss

Cycling is a great way to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, the sounds you encounter during your rides can be surprisingly loud and persistent. When you’re riding at high speeds or in areas with heavy traffic, your ears are exposed to constant noise - from the rush of wind to the honking of cars and the hum of their engines.1 This exposure can accumulate, leading to hearing issues that may not be immediately noticeable but can have long-term consequences.2 

When it comes to cycling, it’s not just about the intensity of the sounds around you - it’s also about the duration and frequency of exposure. Consider the following ways cycling can affect your hearing: 

  • Wind Noise: when you cycle fast, the rushing wind creates noise that can reach damaging levels, potentially causing hearing damage overtime.3
  • Traffic Noise: riding on busy streets means exposure to car engines, horns, and tire noise. These sounds can compile quickly, especially during longer rides.
  • Vibration: some bicycles, particularly road bikes, create vibrations that can also affect hearing, especially when you're cycling on rough surfaces.5

 

What Are the Risks?

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs gradually, so it’s likely you may not notice it until it’s too late.2 This is a result of prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Here’s how this can occur:  

  • Prolonged Exposure: just like at concerts or when using headphones too loudly, long periods of exposure to loud sounds can damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear. These cells are responsible for translating sound into signals your brain can understand.2
  • High-Speed Cycling: the faster you cycle, the more intense the wind noise becomes. At speeds over 20 mph (32 km/h), the wind can create noise levels that are potentially harmful after a long ride.6

 

How to Protect Your Hearing As a Cyclist

Don’t let the risk of hearing loss keep you from enjoying a favourite pastime. If you’re a cyclist, there are several protective measures you can take to keep your ears safe on the road. Consider the following tips: 

1. Wear Ear Protection:

  • Cycling Earplugs: these are designed to reduce wind noise while still letting you hear important sounds, like traffic or emergency sirens. They help protect your ears without muffling all the sound.7
  • Headbands or Covers: special ear protection headbands can shield your ears from the wind and reduce exposure to harmful noise.7

2. Ride at Lower Speeds:

  • When possible, try to avoid cycling at high speeds, especially in areas with lots of wind. Slowing down a bit can make a big difference in reducing wind noise.

3. Choose Quieter Routes:

  • If you have the option, try cycling on quieter roads or bike paths. This helps avoid the constant noise of traffic and engine sounds.

4. Take Breaks:

  • If you’re on a long ride, make sure to take short breaks. Giving your ears a rest can help prevent damage over time.8

Cycling is an amazing way to stay fit and explore the outdoors, but it’s essential to take care of your hearing while enjoying the ride. By following a few simple steps—like wearing ear protection, cycling at lower speeds, and choosing quieter routes—you can protect your ears from the potential risks of noise-induced hearing loss.

Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our friendly team will check your hearing and help you manage any concerns so you can be confident in your hearing health. 

 

References

  1. National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (28 May 2019), Wind Noise Can Contribute to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Cyclists, www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov, accessed 9 February 2025. 
  2. Cleveland Clinic (6 December 2024), Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Symptoms & Treatment, https://my.clevelandclinic.org, accessed 9 February 2025.  
  3. Victoria ENT & Allergy Associates (28 July 2021), How Wind Noise Can Result In Hearing Loss, Victoria ENT & Allergy Associates, accessed 9 February 2025. 
  4. EN Health (2018), The health effects of environmental noise, Australian Department of Health, accessed 9 February 2025. 
  5. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (July 2017), Evaluation of noise-exposure secondary to wind noise in cyclists, National Library of Medicine, accessed 9 February 2025. 
  6. Camea Technology (n.d.), Noisy Speeding: Impact of Speed on Noise Level, www.cameatechnology.com, accessed 9 February 2025. 
  7. National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (21 October 2022), Hearing Protectors, www.nidcd.nih.gov, accessed 9 February 2025.
  8. Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences (1 March 2023), 8 Tips for Keeping Your Ears Happy and Healthy, The University of Queensland Australia, accessed 9 February 2025.