Airflow noise around the ear does not begin at the ear itself. Incoming air is already deflected by facial contours such as the cheekbones. On its way towards the ear, the flow can separate and create turbulent noise together with the shape of the ear and the helmet strap. How strongly this is perceived also depends on relative air speed, wind direction and head position.
Why wind noise around the ear can become so loud
A wind-tunnel study published in 2017 examined sound exposure from airflow using one test subject and microphones positioned near the ears. At an air speed of around 16 km/h, the researchers measured 84.9 dB; the readings increased with speed. At around 26 km/h, a linear interpolation between the published endpoints gives roughly 89 dB; this is an estimate rather than a separately reported measurement in the abstract. (The highest laboratory reading of 120.3 dB occurred at a relative air speed of around 97 km/h, a value that could, for example, result from a high riding speed combined with a strong direct headwind.)
Wind direction was particularly revealing. The highest reading occurred at the downwind ear when the head was positioned sideways to the airflow. Turbulence can therefore affect the sheltered ear more strongly than the ear facing the wind. This helps explain why the noise can change noticeably with a crosswind or a small movement of the head.
In practice, the relative air speed at the head matters more than the speedometer alone. Someone riding at 25 km/h directly into a 15 km/h headwind experiences an approximate relative air speed of 40 km/h. With a crosswind, both the effective air speed and the angle at which the airflow reaches the face and ears change. The noise can therefore vary even when the speed on the display remains the same.
Duration matters as well. A brief high laboratory reading is not the same as exposure over several hours. Above all, the study shows that wind noise can already be relevant at everyday air speeds and that speed alone does not fully explain individual experience.
What can reduce wind noise around the ear?
There is no single solution for every temperature, helmet and personal preference. The main approaches differ in whether they cover the ear, attenuate sound inside the ear or alter the airflow before it reaches the ear.
Solutions that cover the ear
A thin helmet cap, headband or ear warmer can reduce direct draught and cold. Depending on the material, rustling can make important traffic sounds harder to perceive. Heat can also build up quickly during physical activity. The helmet must continue to fit correctly, so always follow the helmet manufacturer's instructions regarding clothing and accessories worn underneath it. Traffic, bicycle bells, calls and warning signals must remain clearly audible.
Earplugs or strongly insulating headphones
Strong sound attenuation can reduce wind noise, but it can also impair awareness of the surroundings. This is a crucial disadvantage when riding in traffic.
Wind deflectors on the helmet strap
A wind deflector sits on the helmet strap in front of the ear and changes the airflow while leaving the ear uncovered. This is the principle behind earSHIELD. It is not an ear warmer and does not sit directly on the ear. In-ear headphones or hearing aids can therefore often still be used, although the individual fit should always be checked. Performance depends on factors including ear shape, helmet strap position, speed and wind direction.
Which earSHIELD model is the best place to start?
The helmet strap must run in front of the ear and should lie as close to the head as possible in this area. The bike helmet must fit correctly with the chin strap closed, and the ear must remain uncovered.
For many riders, earSHIELD 2 is the natural starting point: lightweight, compact and less expensive. earSHIELD Pro is slightly larger, has additional reinforcing strips and a more voluminous wool surface that is fluffed up during production. The reinforcing strips stabilise the profile and can be useful with a looser helmet strap, a strap that sits farther away from the head, or when the strongest possible airflow reduction is the priority. earSHIELD 2 already provides the most important features, so the difference compared with earSHIELD Pro is not very large for many helmet straps.
You can find a detailed comparison of all four models in the guide “Which earSHIELD model fits my bike helmet?”. If you are still genuinely unsure after using the comparison, you can optionally send a photo of the helmet being worn, taken from a front-side angle with the chin strap closed, to support@ear-shield.com.
Safety and use
Replace earSHIELD if there is visible damage or after a crash. The ear must not be fully covered; traffic and warning signals must remain audible. Before every ride, check that earSHIELD is securely positioned.
Study and further reading
- Seidman MD, Wertz AG, Smith MM, Jacob S, Ahsan SF: Evaluation of Noise Exposure Secondary to Wind Noise in Cyclists, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2017.
Context for the study results: The measurements are not an individual diagnosis and do not prove that a particular ride will necessarily damage hearing. Only one person was studied under controlled laboratory conditions; long-term everyday cycling and individual wind deflectors were not examined. The authors therefore recommended further long-term measurements and hearing tests.
Next step: Compare the four earSHIELD models or go directly to the shop.