A helmet with ear flaps, 3/4, and full in that order makes a very big difference. As above the wind noise is the big hearing damage problem. 3/4 and full make sure it fits well for the best wind noise reduction.
Wind noise can easily exceed 100 db over 60 MPH where the high that won't do damage to your hearing is 80. When you are riding the wind noise is kinda like being close to the band in a live music venue for that amount of time.
Riding motorcycles for over 50 years 1/2 the time without a helmet I attribute to my ear ringing and constant saying of huh? what?
