Ouch, my ears.... What to do?

[Tillybug]

Brand new here, but have been reading for days :)

Seems like an amazing group and I look forward to getting to know everyone via web!

Today was very windy and I just got back from my ride and my ears are *killing* me.

Is it safe to put cotton in them, wear an ear plug? I want to be able to hear everything around me but I do have really sensitive ears and they are really hurting right now.

Advice?

[badgercat]

If it's below about 60F outside, and/or windy, my ears get almost unbearably painful while riding (with pain radiating to my jaw, etc). Usually, a simple cotton bandana under my helmet and over my ears does the trick for me, without feeling like I'm significantly affecting my hearing. If you didn't want the extra bulk on the top of your head, a strip of fabric tied around your head over your ears would probably accomplish the same thing. Good luck, and welcome to TE!

[OakLeaf]

You might use one of those thin stretchy earbands. On a cooler day, try a helmet cover. Helmets generate a lot of wind noise, unfortunately.

[jyyanks]

I have very sensitive ears and I use something like the below in the cooler months (fleece). I use a cotton version when it's not as cold but still windy

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSM_13230.html

It fits under my helmet and still allows me to hear what's going on.

[marni]

a light or summer weight buff pulls up around my ears and doesn't cut the sound. Plus it cuts the neck chill also

marni

[zoom-zoom]

a light or summer weight buff pulls up around my ears and doesn't cut the sound. Plus it cuts the neck chill also

marni

I wore a buff under my helmet, too...actually, I always wear one under, since it keeps my scalp from burning, bugs from flying into a vent and stinging, and sweat from running in my face. Plus no one sees my helmet hair, since I keep it on after rides, too. When it's chilly I keep the Buff over my ears. Several people I rode with today did the cotton in their ears, too.

[emichele]

I just used a beanie under my helmet that went over my ears. Just find one thin enough to go under the helmet without trouble.

[malkin]

Some helmets generate more noise than others. I had one that would actually sing a bit in the right (or wrong!) conditions. I abandoned that one to my husband and it didn't whistle on his head.

Anything you put around your head or ears will change the airflow. You might just have to keep trying different things until you get it worked out.

[Antaresia]

I was thinking of asking my grandma for these next christmas:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bike-helmet-ear-warmers

Dorky? I don't even care. They look warm, and I want one in neon pink. And I would be lost with earplugs, I really rely on my hearing in traffic. Right now I'm just wearing hats, but they don't have as much ear coverage as I'd like.

[ny biker]

I was thinking of asking my grandma for these next christmas:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bike-helmet-ear-warmers

Dorky? I don't even care. They look warm, and I want one in neon pink. And I would be lost with earplugs, I really rely on my hearing in traffic. Right now I'm just wearing hats, but they don't have as much ear coverage as I'd like.

OMG! I have a cycling friend who knits and also lives in chilly, rainy climate. Sending this to her RIGHT NOW.

[solobiker]

Interesting.

These look like they (http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/index.cfm/product/513/rox-black-dog-earz-helmet-ear-covers.cfm) would be fairly easy to make. That way, you could choose an appropriate fabric for summer.

I may have to look into one of these for my climbing helemet.

[jyyanks]

Since I can't knit, I found someone who sells them on easy (I have no affiliation). I may have to pick up a pair!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90218843/helmet-ear-muffs-ear-warmers-for?ref=correlated_featured&favorite_user_id=17640447&show_panel=true

[Tillybug]

I went to Lululemon and bought a Bang Buster Headband ($14.00). It was perfect under my helmet, and did the job perfectly. I was still able to hear everything around me.

I tried to post the link to the one I got but don't see it on their website right now so they may be out of stock online.

I got mine at the store.

Thanks for the suggestions ladies :)

[alabama12]

You might use one of those thin stretchy earbands. On a cooler day, try a helmet cover. Helmets generate a lot of wind noise, unfortunately.

I second that. the only thing that helps me along with the helmet!

[Bike Writer]

Tilly

This is something you might consider. http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog/Wetsuits/Wetsuit_Accessories/Body_Guard_Neoprene_Head_Band/index.asp
I use a similar one with good results. You can still hear but sounds are dampened down somewhat but they do fit nicely under a helmet with no bulk.


Edited to add,

Sorry I just read that you found something already.