Ear-aches

[FlyingScot]

Does anyone else have a problem with getting ear-aches while riding or is it just me? No matter what the conditions (cold, hot, windy) I get a terrible ache in my left ear after about 5 miles that persists until after about an hour after I get home. It's almost debilitating. I hesitate to use an earplug because I need to hear traffic and it will likely affect my balance as well. Any thoughts?

[kelownagirl]

Me. I put a little cotton in my ears or even a bit of kleenex if I don't have anything else. I can hear fine and my ears don't hurt.

DH says I look stupid with tufts of kleenex sticking out of my ears though...

[Starfish]

I get a terrible ache in my left ear after about 5 miles that persists until after about an hour after I get home. It's almost debilitating. I hesitate to use an earplug because I need to hear traffic and it will likely affect my balance as well. Any thoughts?

I know this might be obvious, but my thought is see an ear/nose/throat doc first, just so they can have a look inside.

[LoriO]

I agree with Starfish. If the pain is that bad then you really should have your DR check it out and make sure there is nothing wrong. Better safe then sorry.

[FlyingScot]

I've been like this since I was a kid. If I skied without a hat or if it was just windy I'd get an earache. No doctor I have seen can figure it out. The difference now is it happens even when it's hot outside. I'm just trying to figure out a way to deal with it in a safe manner.

[Starfish]

I've been like this since I was a kid. If I skied without a hat or if it was just windy I'd get an earache. No doctor I have seen can figure it out. The difference now is it happens even when it's hot outside. I'm just trying to figure out a way to deal with it in a safe manner.

Wish I could offer any other suggestion, but it is out of my realm of experience! Good luck!

[short cut sally]

i am bothered with this issue also. i've rode with kleenex tufts out my right ear..get asked "do you know there's something in your ear?" yep, sure do..looks ridiculous but it works. i went to the drs, (they think i'm crazy-little do they know ) and they presume/think it's because i have fluid build up behind my eardrum. i started taking allergy meds and that has seemed to help. check with your doc to see also..

[LoriO]

OK, so that is eliminated then....I would try putting some cotten in your ears then to keep the wind out and see if that makes any difference.

[ATL Laura]

I had an earache problem this spring. It wasn’t debilitating, but definitely painful at times. They coincided with my yearly physical, so I asked the doctor about it. Turns out that a ton of pollen, plus sniffling a lot caused some kind of build-up/clog in my nasal passages which then turned into an earache. Her prescription was over the counter Claritin and snot rockets...seriously, my doctor prescribed snot rockets to help prevent future earaches. She is a cyclist too, so she understands how difficult it is to blow your nose while riding. I must admit that I had some difficulties perfecting my snot rocket technique, but I haven't had an earache since!

[salsabike]

I always ride with a headband that covers my ears, even in summer, for exactly this reason, and it works well for me.

[LoriO]

I had an earache problem this spring. It wasn’t debilitating, but definitely painful at times. They coincided with my yearly physical, so I asked the doctor about it. Turns out that a ton of pollen, plus sniffling a lot caused some kind of build-up/clog in my nasal passages which then turned into an earache. Her prescription was over the counter Claritin and snot rockets...seriously, my doctor prescribed snot rockets to help prevent future earaches. She is a cyclist too, so she understands how difficult it is to blow your nose while riding. I must admit that I had some difficulties perfecting my snot rocket technique, but I haven't had an earache since!

LMAO, gotta love a dr that prescribes snot rockets!!!

[SouthernBelle]

Thought this was a good place to recommend a buff! Wear it as a headband over your ears and it will soak up sweat too.

I have noticed an untoward amount of earwax this summer. Wonder if the wind when we are riding is just a natural irritant??