Helmet speaker is a type of headphone that is specifically designed for riders, as alternative to earbud speakers.
Unlike the classic headphone which is bulky, helmet speakers are made flat in order to fit inside the motorcycle and bicycle safety helmets.
They are designed for safety purposes of two-wheel vehicle riders who love to enjoy listening to their favorite tune while riding.
Helmet speakers are also designed for riders who need to respond to important phone calls while traveling on two wheels.
Helmet speakers have more benefits compared to earbud type headphones.
However, for some riders who have already tried using it, helmet speakers are claimed to have many disadvantages too.
Riders have different opinions regarding the use of earphones while riding.
In fact, topic about headphones is one of the hottest threads you can find in motorcycle forums over the internet.
In an attempt to provide readers an unbiased report about helmet speakers, we have compiled some important points based on opinions of motorcycle riders who already used them as well as some advice from health experts.
Advantages of Helmet Speakers 'Road accident can be avoided if one is more aware of his environment.
' Unlike the popular earbud speakers that we normally insert in the ear, helmet speakers are safer to use as they allow the user to hear sounds coming from the environment.
This is an important safety concern when driving a vehicle as awareness to what is happening around can help rider avoid accidents when travelling on busy roads.
Although clear, brilliant sound produced by earbud is more enjoyable than helmet speakers, it's a fact that earbuds impede your sense of hearing which can be more dangerous; and we are NOT going to compromise safety over the enjoyment of high quality music, are we? 'Muff-type speakers reduce the possibility of Tinnitus.
' Tinnitus, a perception of continuous sound within the ear, may not seem to be a serious problem but Otologists [ear doctors] note that hearing loss is often accompanied by it.
One of the common causes of tinnitus is prolonged exposure to loud noises.
Other symptoms that accompany tinnitus are dizziness, headache, and a sense of fullness or pain in the ear.
Earbud speakers, whose sound directly enters the ear canal without being deflected, can cause tinnitus as it is more intense.
On the other hand, the sound emitted by helmet speakers is less intense because it is deflected by the material used as its covering.
The distance of the speaker to the ear also lessens the intensity of sound.
Choosing the Lesser Evil? Most people love listening to music, and to the more passionate music-lovers, a life without music, even for a short period of time is unbearable.
Music peps people up.
In fact, many motorcycle riders claim that listening to lively music while travelling long distances helps them reduce sleepiness.
This can be debatable when it comes to road safety as many states in America prohibit the use of headphones on bikers.
Headphones used for communication purposes may be allowed in some states but usually only a single speaker is allowed.
Motorcycle riders should be aware of the prevailing policies regarding the use of headphones before using them.
It should also be noted that some states prohibit the use of any kind of headphones while operating any motored vehicle.
Some states may also prohibit headphones for bicycle riders as well.
But for the concern of motorcycle passengers who want to enjoy music while travelling, or for whatever reasons one may intend to use headphones, always be wise to choose the lesser evil -Use helmet speakers!