Tires: car noise and ear damage, michelin primacy, goodyear eagle rsa

Question
QUESTION: I have nerve damage in the ears, called tinnitus.  I hear permanent ringing noise.  No cure yet in medical science.  My new car is making it worse, I think I need the quietest tires I can get for my size.  I like the rest of the car and don't want to ditch it if I don't have to.  Kia Forte Koup, 2010, 2 dr, 2.0 ltr dohc.  P205/55/r16.  It came with Korean Nexene CP662, M+S, 89H.  I don't care about cost, treadwear or any other factor, since nerve damage is permanent, tires are cheap in comparison.  My old car was a 2002 Ford Focus SE with 2.0 ltr dohc, same size tires, and most recently, I bought Goodyear Eagle RSA.  No problem.  One dealer is advising Michelin Primacy MXV4.  Can you offer any help?  Thank you.

ANSWER: Donn,

Tire noise consists of 3 components:  Noise generic to the tire, noise generic to the road surface, and noise generic to the interaction between the tire and the road surface.  As you are aware, road surfaces vary widely, so there are 2 questions that I am not going to be able to answer - and they would render moot what I might say about the third.

Your best bet is to discuss your situation with a local tire dealer.  He will know what works in the area you live.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I think you missed a crucial point or I did not make it clear.  I was driving a 2002 Ford Focus with no problem, and when I switched to a Kia Forte, in a month I faced a noise and hearing problem.  I just bought the Kia, and on my first long distance drive, which I do about monthly, it began to severly affect my head.  I am driving on the same roads.  The Kia is brand new and similar in size, weight, drivetrain, tire size, and so forth, to the old Focus.  So, what gives? Do you know any pertinent info about the Kia Forte, or the Nexene tires, versus Goodyear Eagle RSA or Michelin MXV4?  Is the Kia known for more noice & vibration?  Is the suspension tighter and therefore more vibration coming through, than a Focus?

Answer
Donn,

You're right.  That wasn't clear.

You may want to consider that part of the problem may be the vehicle - and - you may need to consider additional sound dampening material.  Do an Internet search for someone who specializes in this type of work or something similar.