Ear Protection

[Progressive]

I like to ride safely at all times but I have a problem. Even the slightest breeze gives me aggonising ear ache. At the weekend I did a 12 mile loop in a local forest. After only 4 miles I had to stop and substitute my helmet for a wooley hat. The pain continued from there onwards. It nearly brought me close to tears at one point! It has come to the point where I'm not really enjoy the rides because of this.

Hat under helmet doesn't work and earphones with music make little to no difference. In fact, they possibly make it even worse.

Any suggestions?

[ewenm]

In winter I used to ride with a headband under the helmet to keep my ears warm without my head getting to hot but it doesn't sound like that would work for you. One tip is if you are wearing a hat make sure your glasses arms are outside it, rather than inside it and creating a channel for cold aim to get to your ears.

Edited by ewenm on Wednesday 27th January 10:33

[louiebaby]

Where is the pain?

If it's inside the ear, you might want to get a Dr to check it out. Especially if it's come on suddenly. Weird advice from a bloke, but probably wise...

[Pablo16v]

I'd get it checked out too just in case. When it's really cold I wear a thin buff under my helmet to keep my head and ears warm. Works a treat.

[Parsnip]

Get one of these:
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-Windproof-Cycling-S...

does the job, nice and thin, but keeps the wind off.

[a11y_m]

Try a Buff or equivalent.

I overheat quickly wearing a full Buff, so have cut mine in half and wear them folded over once as a headband (leaving my head uncovered). Ideal for keeping the ears warm in winter, and keeping sweat out the eyes in summer.

[ezi]

What about something like this?

[Progressive]

I've always had it to be honest. If I go out on a really windy day without a hat on I'll generally be in pain after about 15 minutes.

Used to be a killer when I played footy on a windy day.

[fixedwheelnut]

+1 for the 'skull cap' they fit under a helmet fine and keep the heat in, I also use a thin headband type ear warmer for days when the skull cap is too much.

[Gnarlybluesurf]

There are these which I know look a bit odd but if you're wearing them under a helmet then won't notice. A mate who suffers like you got some at a ski show and raves on and on about them for skiing, he just wears black ones and sunglasses. They ship to the uk too for only a couple of quid...

http://www.onlineearpops.com/store/index.php?main_...

I've never seen them in a shop in the UK but here's a link to some places that you could get them from:

http://www.earmitts.co.uk/

they even have there own facebook page!!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ear-Mitts-R-Bandless...

Alternatively for something a bit out of the ordinary what about these:

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Ski-Snowboard-Face-M...

[BermyAndy]

seal skinz do a great windproof waterproof skull cap, thin too so helmet goes over on top no problem

[Parrot of Doom]

I wonder if a coat of petroleum jelly would keep the chill off? It traps heat.

[motorheadmadness]

i too have a seal skinz skull cap. works really well, and because its water and windproof the wind doesn't get into your ears and hurt. ussually i dont suffer from ear ache but when its really cold and windy it hurts a lot hence the skull cap. my buff does the same but to a lot lesser extent. perfect for cool days, but not wind.