Ear aches from riding?

[beckgr]

This is an annoying problem for me. After I ride about 2 hours I develop an annoying and even painful ear ache. After 10 plus hours it's enough to just make we want to stop no matter where I am located. Happens all the time if ever over 2 hours. It seems like it is from the sound of the wind/air rushing that gives me this pain. Maybe it's wind blowing past my ear. It can come with or without using ear plugs, I will use either those cheap foam ones or stiffer rubber ones. Happens with or without wind screen up. It will come using my fullface (Shoie X-11) or even my Arai open face. Somewhat worse in cool weather (50 or less F) but really comes in any temps.

Doc has no ideas, but have not been to a specialist.

Has anyone here ever had the same issue? If so, have you found any solutions? Ideas? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any or all comments.

Greg

[iRene]

This is a stumper.
Look at what changed. When did this start? Did it ramp up slowly or start suddenly and noticeably?
Do you have a new bike? New helmet? Any new medications you're on, especially any antibiotics?
Do you have another helmet that you could try on a ride, just to see if
it happens with a different helmet on? It might be some simple issue of a pressure point
or a strap?
Is it always on just one side, does it alternate, or always in both ears?
Does your windscreen adjust, and does it shoot air right at face height?

I'm assuming a doctor would have screened for an inner ear infection, so if you can narrow
down when it happens and variables, maybe you can find something you can adjust or
replace that'll do the trick for you.

[KGT1200]

I had this crap in my ear (right ear) to the point I wanted to scratch my ear off my head, 24/7

Then I found the solution.

Forget about it.

It seems the more I thought (think) about it, it increases in volume and shrillness of every sound out there. Nothing works medicine wise.

So I forget it, for hours, and sometimes forget it for days at a time.

It really works for me. Good Luck with your issue. Hopefully it's helmet related not human related reaction to the absence of sound in the ear like mine.

[beckgr]

From iRene: "Do you have a new bike? New helmet? Any new medications you're on, especially any antibiotics?
Do you have another helmet that you could try on a ride, just to see if
it happens with a different helmet on? It might be some simple issue of a pressure point
or a strap?
Is it always on just one side, does it alternate, or always in both ears?
Does your windscreen adjust, and does it shoot air right at face height?"

It has been there for at least 5 years. Same with other helmets. Both sides and windsreen up or down. It's not from too tight of a helmet or eyeglasses (had those issues to before), it's inner ear pain.

From redclfclo: "It seems the more I thought (think) about it, it increases in volume and shrillness of every sound out there. Nothing works medicine wise.

So I forget it, for hours, and sometimes forget it for days at a time."

Interesting. mine seems to be somewhat sound related, that's why I'm thinking it has something to do with the windnoise. I tried to forget about it, but then I think about thinking that I need to not think about it and I....think about it, if that makes any sense...

[KGT1200]

I tried to forget about it, but then I think about thinking that I need to not think about it and I....think about it, if that makes any sense...


I know exactly what you mean. :nod

[Belquar]

From iRene: "Do you have a new bike? New helmet? Any new medications you're on, especially any antibiotics?
Do you have another helmet that you could try on a ride, just to see if
it happens with a different helmet on? It might be some simple issue of a pressure point
or a strap?
Is it always on just one side, does it alternate, or always in both ears?
Does your windscreen adjust, and does it shoot air right at face height?"

It has been there for at least 5 years. Same with other helmets. Both sides and windsreen up or down. It's not from too tight of a helmet or eyeglasses (had those issues to before), it's inner ear pain.

From redclfclo: "It seems the more I thought (think) about it, it increases in volume and shrillness of every sound out there. Nothing works medicine wise.

So I forget it, for hours, and sometimes forget it for days at a time."

Interesting. mine seems to be somewhat sound related, that's why I'm thinking it has something to do with the windnoise. I tried to forget about it, but then I think about thinking that I need to not think about it and I....think about it, if that makes any sense...

You can test the wind noise issue by driving the car with the window open for more than two hours. See if it happens in the car too. Rent a convertible try that. Drive the car with one window open. Then with 2 windows open. Check for a tiny rupture in the ear drum.

See if it is pressure related...go for a flight somewhere or change altitudes on the highway somewhere.

Good luck in finding out what is wrong.
Brian

[tommcgee]

Both ears or just one?

[Pat Carol]

You may have a wax cap inside of your ear or you may be inserting your ear plugs into your ear too far. I strongly suggest that you go to a ear, nose & throat specialist and have a definitive ear examination.
I had that problem a few year's ago. I chew gum when I ride. I no longer have that problem.


Good Luck & Ride Safe
Pat Carol

[beckgr]

Both ears or just one?

Both.


I hadn't thought about things like a hole in the eardrum, etc. Appreciate the comments so far.

[stan]

Run your finger up the side of your jaw bone line. Feel that indent under your ear and just before the hinge. This is a real pressure point for me that often my helmet pushes on a little too hard. It creates a wicked left ear ache. Some days no bother and then others it is hell on wheels. Remove the helmet and it goes away shortly. It can make for a very long day. Perhaps TMJ related for me. The only thing I can say is that I feel your pain. Hope you get it figured out.

[tommcgee]

Both.

I hadn't thought about things like a hole in the eardrum, etc. Appreciate the comments so far.

If it's both ears, I agree with the suggestion to see an ENT specialist. If just one ear, it would be easier to isolate the problem.

I've had extensive hearing tests done and it sounds to me like you have to take it to the next level. We're only guessing here.

[KGT1200]

Everyone here hopes for a great outcome, but don't hesitate to go see a ENT as soon as possible. Don't expect miracles, or miracle cures, because in many cases, there is none, but if there is swelling going on in your canal, and it can be stopped, earlier is the better may preserve your hearing. . My only advice is don't blow off an earache, it could be symptom of much worse!

[beckgr]

I had been thinking it was normal or at least cycle related, never would have thought about a real medical issue. I'll follow up with an ENT and go from there. I appreciate the comments today folks. They were helpful and encouraged me to see a doc.

[rinty]

+1 on seeing an ENT. He/she will be able to figure it out, easy.

[Kirbster919]

Just curious, do you ride with your mouth open without breathing through your nose? Try breathing through your nose on a ride and then through your mouth on a different ride.

[beckgr]

Just curious, do you ride with your mouth open without breathing through your nose? Try breathing through your nose on a ride and then through your mouth on a different ride.

Closed. Had to think for awhile. I think the open faced helmet taught me that. :) I will try to change that up too though, good idea.

[From MARS]

Let's start isolating the problem; put the helmet on and watch a football game or do some other stationary activity. See if your ears start to ache. We'll go from there.

Tom

[hlothery]

How loud is that Zydeco you're listening to?:D

Seriously, sounds like a condition called hyperacusis. You need an audiologist, and possibly and ENT, my friend.

[Brettendress]

I have noticed with my new Nolen that I get a really irritating whistle and can't ride far at all without properly installed ear plugs. Properly installed makes a big difference if I don't get them in right I have to stop and reinstall them for a snug fit. The helmet is really loud compared to my Shoei. I really noticed this last week when I switched back to the shoei because the Nolen had to be sent in for repairs already. If it were me I would start with the helmet and ear plugs. Don;t know why but even the sounds of the engine are really different from one helmet to the next.

Brett Endress
Altoona Pa

[KGT1200]

I have noticed with my new Nolen that I get a really irritating whistle and can't ride far at all without properly installed ear plugs. Properly installed makes a big difference if I don't get them in right I have to stop and reinstall them for a snug fit. The helmet is really loud compared to my Shoei. I really noticed this last week when I switched back to the shoei because the Nolen had to be sent in for repairs already. If it were me I would start with the helmet and ear plugs. Don;t know why but even the sounds of the engine are really different from one helmet to the next.

Brett Endress
Altoona Pa

My Nolan flip up 102 is out of this world, and I love it...but the noise does really blow!

Noisy for sure.

I got custom fitted for in the ear hard foam plugs and couldnt be more delighted! The heck with the noise! they stay in, quiet it down to a minimum, but still aloow sirens, etc. to be heard.

[beckgr]

Got a fast appointment through a friend. The good news is they found no hole in eardrum, fluid, problems - nothing. Checked everything from jaw, throat, nose, whole deal. Even did a hearing test and we were both surprised hearing loss wasn't more. I'm 50 and have operated all sorts of heavy equipment, construction equip, farm equip, etc. Had hearing loss, just not as much as he assumed from all that and no hearing aid required. Yeh on that.

So, Doc was stumped. Callled in one of his comrades and other was stumped too. So, it is not medical which I guess is good. I went to a BMW club meeting tonight and dang after 30 minutes riding there it was again - the beginning of the ache. Doc did ask some of your questions - and he got paid for it!! Do I clinch my jaw, didn't think so but now I wonder? Helmet snugness away from ear - I guess it can mask the pain in the, say lower jaw, and manifest it's way up to the inner ear. Who'd of thought?? So I'll check that and I know in my full face the lower jaw/cheek area and so tight I have the chipmunk thing going on, but the next size down cheek pad is loose.

So, now that i know it's not medical (at least so far) I'm taking everyone's advice here and starting to narrow it down one by one. I'm even going to watch a football game with the helmet on. Yep, kids and wife will have a field day with that one! While I doubt the Zydeco is getting me I did check out the comment on hyperacusis. May be something there too. Anyway, thanks to all for the comments, ideas and support. It was more than I expected and I appreciate the help and concern.

One thing to pass on that I did learn. They were very big fans of earplugs. Said to wear them always when riding. Then they asked I shot firearms. I do and they said wear both the in-ear foam plugs + very good muffs. One or the other only, in their opinion, was not enough. So, take care you yourselves and wear hearing protection.

[iRene]

Whew! What good news that it isn't a problem in your ear.
Good luck figuring out what it is- DO let us know!

[wmubrown]

When they checked your "jaw, throat, nose" did they specifically check for TMJ? It would tie together the helmet pressure suggestion, jaw pain, lower ear into middle pain.

[deanwoolsey]

I was having terrible pain with my new helmet. When I put it on it felt fine but after an hour on the cycle I too had a great deal of pain in both my ears. Mine was caused by the helmet liner pushing too hard against the exposed portion of my ears. The pain was in the exposed part of the ear about halfway between the ear openeing and the outer edges of the ears. I took about 1/2 the ear padding out of the helmet and now it's fine.

[Crow18]

Do I clinch my jaw, didn't think so but now I wonder? Helmet snugness away from ear - I guess it can mask the pain in the, say lower jaw, and manifest it's way up to the inner ear. Who'd of thought?? So I'll check that and I know in my full face the lower jaw/cheek area and so tight I have the chipmunk thing going on, but the next size down cheek pad is loose.

Just a thought, echoing WMUBrown's suggestion of TMJ: you might invest a couple of dollars in a mouthguard, and try it out for a few rides. Not only will it mitigate the effects of clenching your jaw unconsciously (if that's what's happening) but it may also provide added protection against concussions if you ever need to actually use your helmet.

[beckgr]

The doc could not detect an issue regarding TMJ, but he want me to get it checked out by a dentist. Have not done that yet but will for sure. And good idea about the mouth guard too. Think I do clinch my teeth and don't know why. Very confident helmet fit is correct, have a bit of the chipmunk affect on cheeks so the TMJ idea is one that may be the culprit. Outer ear pressure does not cause any outer ear pain at all and does not feel at all uncomfortable.

[Pahl]

I have the same problem. After about 30 minutes of riding, my left ear aches badly. I just purchased a new helmet and while it fit great at the crown of my head, the cheeks were a bit tight. I took a soccer ball and inflated it inside the helmet. I left it overnight and now the helmet fits like a glove. I thought the better fit would fix the problem, but it still remains. I am speculating the problem is a pressure point somehow.

I would be very interested if you come up with a solution. I will try the gum thing. I plan to play around with the padding and see if I can relieve the issue. I have a 10 hour ride to Redmond in a few months and I could use a cure....or it will be a long long trip.