Hiking and Camping in High Winds — Do I Need Hearing Protection?

[alex1975]

Hey everyone, I'm going to be doing some wild camping and hiking next weekend and typically, where I'm going, the winds can reach 30-40 mph, sometimes even higher.

My question is, if I wear a hat, that will cover my ears, is that enough to deflect some of the wind from my ears or should I wear ear plugs as well? I'm not exactly sure how loud winds are. I can't seem to find much info on wind noise as it relates to wind speed.

I just don't want to make my tinnitus any worse.
Thank you.

 

[HeavyMantra]

Why not bring some earplugs to be safe? Pop them in if you feel you need them

Only once have I felt that the wind was too loud during a storm. Wind in trees can be a pretty harsh noise if the wind is strong enough.

 

[alex1975]

Absolutely, I was just wondering what wind speeds are too loud and at what point I should wear them. I'm not a fan of the plugs unless I know I have to wear them, because once they're on they make my tinnitus seem louder.

 

[PeteJ]

I agree. Ear plugs are supposed to help but the worse the tinnitus is, the worse it for wearing plugs because the tinnitus is isolated or not masked at all as outside noise is blocked off.

I don't know if this is a good idea but noise cancelling headphones might muffle the wind enough? I dunno.

 

[alex1975]

I agree. Ear plugs are supposed to help but the worse the tinnitus is, the worse it for wearing plugs because the tinnitus is isolated or not masked at all as outside noise is blocked off.

I don't know if this is a good idea but noise cancelling headphones might muffle the wind enough? I dunno.

Yup, mine can be pretty intrusive depending on days.
That could be a good option. I'll look into that. Thanks!

 

[simb999]

Hi ,I got some Joe young winter ear muffs off Amazon, wear them over a hat, they fold up really compact and when I go walking the dogs in high winds just pop them on and really make a difference, they're comfy as well, hope this helps.

 

[alex1975]

Hi ,I got some Joe young winter ear muffs off Amazon, wear them over a hat, they fold up really compact and when I go walking the dogs in high winds just pop them on and really make a difference, they're comfy as well, hope this helps.

Thanks for that recommendation, I like how they're low profile and very affordable! Just ordered a pair!

 

[Digital Doc]

https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.g...ute-to-noise-Induced-hearing-loss-in-cyclists

Yes, wind is noisy, with the link above indicating that 15 mph can measure at 85 db, and going up from there as wind speed increases. If the wind is that sustained, then you need some hearing protection.

 

[alex1975]

https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.g...ute-to-noise-Induced-hearing-loss-in-cyclists

Yes, wind is noisy, with the link above indicating that 15 mph can measure at 85 db, and going up from there as wind speed increases. If the wind is that sustained, then you need some hearing protection.

Thanks for that link. Unbelievable how loud wind is even at low speeds. No wonder how I ended up with bad T...

 

[Digital Doc]

You are welcome, and wind speed is quite impressive. It also comes up with bicyclists that get T.