Is listening to music while riding safe?

This is one question that never gets old. And for good reason. 

Experienced riders suggest the use of airplugs, as continuos wind-noise in your helmet can lead to loss of hearing. None-the-less is listening to music pushing it too far?

This is a personal opinion that you must decide on. When I first started riding I never listened to music (for about 3 months). Now I do listen to music. One day after listening to music for a while I thought maybe this isn't a great idea, I'll test it out by not listening to music on my commutes today. Because I commute on the 3rd Mainland Bridge, I came to the realisation that I can't hear squat over the wind and it is more detrimental to my hearing than listening to music with "in ear buds". Honestly I can hear my engine just as well with music, but it helps if you can access the volume to turn up and down in different situations. 

Hence the math equation below:

Riding with a whole lot of windnoise = fatigued.

Riding with earplugs = no wind-noise, but bored rather easily.

Riding with music (w/ inner-ear buds) = much more entertaining and energetic trip.

This is obviously just my opinion. I've found that over long distances, cutting out windnoise is prioritized, but with music playing, riding seems to be more based on instinct, and I feel less panicked when Danfos attempt to make a quick trip across lanes, or a big gust of wind hits.

I remember asking an experienced rider a while ago and getting this reply: It is safer without. That doesn't mean it's dangerous with. It can take some focus away from riding. I'd think if you need to ask if safe, then you probably aren't ready for the distraction. 

If you enjoy listening to music while riding, get this: Research shows that tuning in to your favorite jams can make you ride happier, harder, and faster. Music is scientifically proven to reduce perceived exertion, boost your energy levels, and increase your endurance by as much as 15 percent.

The world’s most prolific researcher on music and exercise, Costas Karageorghis, PhD, from London’s Brunel University School of Sport and Education, boils it down to this: “Music is like a legal performance-enhancing drug for athletes.”

If, however, you have "Who you 'epp" blaring so high that you can’t hear cars approaching behind you, another rider trying to pass you, or a barking dog coming straight for you, it can wreck your ride—and someone else’s—in a second.

Here’s how to stay safe and be civilized while rocking out on your ride.

Use one earbud. Unless you’re on your trainer, pull the left bud (which faces traffic) out of your ear and ride with just the right one in so you can hear cars, other riders, and your general surroundings. You don’t want to be taken by surprise by canines, deer, or vehicles, which can happen in even remote settings. If you’re a hopeless audiophile, you can buy single ear buds from companies like OneGood Earphones that are designed to mix both channels of stereo audio sound into a single earpiece, so you don’t miss a beat. 

Follow the 60/60 rule. Blaring music, even in just one ear, can be distracting and even damaging to your hearing. If passersby can hear Lil Jon screeching from your ears, it’s too loud. Most headphones' max volume is around 105 decibels. Normal talking is between 40 and 60 decibels. Ear health experts recommend keeping the volume on your player to 60 percent of max—the level of someone talking loudly—and limit it to about 60 minutes a day. Going longer? Just turn it down a notch.

Obey the rules. Many organized rides and races have rules against participating with music. Don’t be that guy who’s blissfully bopping along in ignorance. When the organizer says no ear doping, leave the tunes turned off.

Pluck those buds on social rides. Social rides by definition are rides where you’re there to enjoy the company of others. Wearing earbuds—even one—is a bit antisocial in these circumstances. Leave ‘em at home and enjoy the sights, sounds, and conversations of the ride.
 

Let us know what you think about riding with music below.