Pretty sure I would only have one ear without my helmet. I don't remember any of it, but when I came to one side of my helmet was ground flat. That was back in '94 iirc.
Not gonna lie. i grew up in an era where helmets were an option. Loved the freedom and air in my face. Without a law, you couldnt talk me into wearing one.
Today, I wouldnt even ride a bicycle without a helmet. Wouldnt even dare to look at a motorcycle TBH...
Back in 1986 I bounced my head, and every part of my body off the asphalt at Rocking Motor Speedway. Cracked a vertebrae in my lower back and hurt like hell for 3 weeks. Threw the helmet away.