Hearing health specialist Hidden Hearing Isle of Man has announced that it will once again be equipping TT rider Dan Kneen with custom fit hearing protection for this year’s TT races.
The 2014 Irish Superbike Champion and Padgett’s Honda rider Kneen has been racing since 2005 and has an impressive string of victories under his belt. A Manx born and bred rider, he is particularly popular with local fans of the TT. He commented: “I’d really like to thank Manx Hidden Hearing for their support; as racers we really do take safety seriously and, as in this case, that can mean more than just thick leathers. I first started wearing hearing protection four years ago after a friend mentioned they could enhance my ability to concentrate and increase my lap-times. A lot of TT and track riders already wore them so I spoke to Hidden Hearing about having some fitted. Today, I notice a huge difference if I don’t wear my hearing protection. The wind and engine noise drives me crazy over long runs. It ruins my concentration and the long-term damage is always in the back of my mind.”
Ignoring the risks of ambient riding noise can result in problems like tinnitus, with noise levels during riding often being on a par with standing next to an amp at a concert or using a chainsaw. The roar of the engine is just one source of noise; in fact the most common cause of hearing loss on a motorbike is wind noise, which at high speeds can reach 117 decibels. Repeated exposure to noises above 80 DB can cause long term damage, but hearing protection offers a way to mitigate this effect.
Hidden Hearing Audiologist Elaine Norris also commented: “Exposure to excessive noise levels over an extended period can ruin the ear’s ability to defend itself and have serious long term repercussions. For those who can’t avoid noisy situations, ear protection is the ideal way way to avoid these complications. The protectors we are fitting Dan with will be moulded especially to suit his ear shape and they will also feature a noise breaker which softens and absorbs noise over a certain level, so that they will be able to comfortably and effectively protect his ear canals.”
Manx Hidden Hearing has a clinic at the Village Walk shopping precinct in Onchan, and offers free hearing consultations on request. Until the end of August, all customers will receive 10% off all custom fit hearing protection. A 10% general discount is offered to all ACU Licence holders.
For more information on Manx Hidden Hearing and their services please see their website - http://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk/hearing-aids/
