Cobratinnitis -- watch out for this

[SandyC]

Took delivery of a cobra replica with a big block last month and got tinnitis (ringing in the ear) from the exhaust noise. Tinnitis doesn't have to necessarily be a ringing, it could be a constant swishing noise which is what I had -- a constant swishing noise in my right ear 24/7. It was starting to drive me crazy but fortunately, and I mean FORTUNATELY now is slowly going away as I stay away from the car for awhile. It is almost gone now and I consider myself lucky because according to what I read on the web the damage could have been permanent and I could have ended up hearing this noise as long as I lived, argghh!

So anyway, foam earplugs for me from now on and be careful out there.

[jams]

I have tinnitus from scuba diving. It has gotten better, but it can literally drive you insane!!!

If I am subjected to loud noise, the ringing starts to get louder for a day or so. Not something you want to hear for the rest of your life. I wear earplugs on long rides-mainly for wind noise.

Quiet motoring.

[Got the Bug]

Sandy,

I started using earplugs right after I got my car. I found that it helps reduce the wind buffeting on the freeway, but I'm sure that it will also help reduce the chance of damaging my hearing. I know that a couple of guys have visited an audiologist to be fitted with some custom ear plugs.

You could always just break the law and get some good ear buds and listen to music...you're not going to hear the sirens anyway.

[SPF2245]

Foam is good (I've even forgot that and used some local gas station single ply TP (looks silly, but worked in a pinch. Finally, I bought some of the soft rubber ear plugs at a local sporting good store, they have a better noise reduction then the foam and I also like the fact they don't get as hard after sitting in the glove box through the season.

[bobcowan]

I buy ear plugs by the gross lot. I use them in any open vehicle - jeeps, trucks, motorcycles, cobras - and any aircraft. I also use them anything that might be noisy in the garage, like head porting or metal working.

Try a few differant types until you find the ones that fit you well. I like the ones from Whitehorse Press. I also like the one's that come in a big box at Home Depot, they also fit me well.

[RodKnock]

There's a subsidiary of Flowmaster named Hushpower, which produces a quieter sidepipe muffler. I had a set installed on my Kirkham, eschewing the stock Kirkham sidepipe muffler.

I mostly wanted a car that I could take to the track that wouldn't be red flagged for noise level. It's much quieter than my old Corvette with sidepipes.

[tcrist]

I have a 35% hearing loss. It is due to being in the Sheet Metal industry for the last 35+ years. My ears ring 24/7 non stop. It's not fun so do what ever you can do to protect your hearing.

Terry

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Sandy,

I started using earplugs right after I got my car. I found that it helps reduce the wind buffeting on the freeway, but I'm sure that it will also help reduce the chance of damaging my hearing.

Doug, you could always install a windscreen for the wind buffeting. You know, make it more like a Lexus.

[392cobra]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Sandy,

I started using earplugs right after I got my car. I found that it helps reduce the wind buffeting on the freeway, but I'm sure that it will also help reduce the chance of damaging my hearing. I know that a couple of guys have visited an audiologist to be fitted with some custom ear plugs.

You could always just break the law and get some good ear buds and listen to music...you're not going to hear the sirens anyway.

I have two different custom molded ear plugs.
One I can plug into a mp3 or iPhone :
http://www.earinc.com/p2-music-competition.php

The other is a just an ear plug:
http://www.earinc.com/p1-nonelectron...tamold-rec.php

Both are extremely comfortable.

If you go by Gun Shows,Motorcycle Shows,etc.,they will have a booth set up and do them right there on the spot.

The non-ear bud one,you will walk away with.
The one for stereo will take about 2 weeks..they take the mold and send it off.

In the links I attached,there is a phone number & e-mail you can find a place local that deals with E.A.R..

[Fordzilla]

Yes, protect your hearing. I have permanent hearing loss & tinnitis incurred from military service. (artillery fire) I get compensated for it every month but would much rather have my hearing........ & peace (as tinnitis can drive you insane at times).
Regards,

[Bill Bess]

Protecting your hearing is very important.
Many of us old folks have permenant hearing loss due to using pneumatic tools (jack hammers), and being exposed to other very loud noises at constructions sites.
I had many friends complain about company requirements to wear hearing protection devices and the like, because these devices "didn't look cool or fit improperly".
I would just respond to the complainers with a coment, "Do you notice that most of your bosses that use to work in the field with these tools... are all wearing hearing aids".
Most of them got the picture and just went along with the safety regulations after looking around the room at all the guys with hearing problems.

Anyway, perhaps better mufflers or cruising at speeds ...just off throttle will help reduce the Cobratinnitis problems and of course ear plugs.

Old Bill
.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by 392cobra

I have two different custom molded ear plugs.
One I can plug into a mp3 or iPhone :
http://www.earinc.com/p2-music-competition.php

The other is a just an ear plug:
http://www.earinc.com/p1-nonelectron...tamold-rec.php

Both are extremely comfortable.

If you go by Gun Shows,Motorcycle Shows,etc.,they will have a booth set up and do them right there on the spot.

The non-ear bud one,you will walk away with.
The one for stereo will take about 2 weeks..they take the mold and send it off.

In the links I attached,there is a phone number & e-mail you can find a place local that deals with E.A.R..

Alien Fred,

I'll have to check those out. How sturdy is the wire that goes into the earpiece on the stereo headphones? Also, is the sound quality comparable to Bose or Shure in-ear headphones?

[392cobra]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Alien Fred,

I'll have to check those out. How sturdy is the wire that goes into the earpiece on the stereo headphones? Also, is the sound quality comparable to Bose or Shure in-ear headphones?

I put them thru their paces.Like many hours on the highway on a Harley. Not having the whipping wind in a Cobra (as compared to a bike) you won't have a problem.
I haven't or have I heard of anyone having a problem.They are the overwhelming choice of bikers.

I like the sound quality.I haven't heard Bose or Shure.

I haven't

[1985 CCX]

Is this anything like Lacofnookie?

[392cobra]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Is this anything like Lacofnookie?

No.

Lacofnookie is fatal.

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

I also like the one's that come in a big box at Home Depot, they also fit me well.

Same here. The spongy ones they offer have a 30db rating and really take the edge off the pipes (especially those like me that are running 3" ID non-stock stuff). I have tinnitis but it's probably from rock concerts and hanging around drag strips in my misspent youth. You never do get used to the constant ringing...some nights it's really tough.

[JWilly]

I was told that the leading cause of "LON" is wedding cake.

[JBCOBRA]

Getting a rear exhaust car has helped save what is left of my hearing LOL

[Fordzilla]

Originally Posted by JWilly

I was told that the leading cause of "LON" is wedding cake.

LOL How True!

[chipperb]

Protect your hearing!

C. Bering
Audiologist and Coordinator of clinical research
and Shelby fan (have 4 replicias)
Emory Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Center
Emory Shool of Medicine
Dept of Otolarynology Head-Neck Surgery
Atlanta, GA