Ear Pressure
 

Hi guys...:help:

Russg & I are in the final steps of prep for our trip, starting on June the 9th. The last time we were out on a wee run, and since we installed Autocom, I've had some bother with my right ear... to the point we're ready to chop it off!! :cry:

What happens is - after I've got my helmet on (which actually feels comfy and right - not too tight - for my head/face), my ear aches - I don't feel a draft or anything, but the outside of it looks red raw and throbs like hell (even before we put Autocom in, so it's not just the speaker). Last time, it was even a nightmare getting my lid off for the pain. I was at the Doc's today, and he reckons it's pressure in my ear, because there is nothing that looks wrong that would indicate a problem. He says the outside bit of the ear is so sensitive, that if the blood is restricted at all, the pressure builds and very quickly it becomes very painful.:(

He didn't have a suggestion to how I can make it better :smt076

So... has anyone on here had any similiar problems... and your suggestions please!

Fankoo :p xx

Re: Ear Pressure
 

Possible using the intercom has caused a little damage to your ear, I found after using the intercom I used when doing my training for my test, that when I went out (without the intercom), my ear would ache, it went away on it's own after a while, however it seems your problem is a bit more long-term?

Re: Ear Pressure
 

Had it since before we fitted Autocom

Re: Ear Pressure
 

So...did the doctor give you any antibiotics? or ear spray? Does your ear only hurt internally or externally or both?

I wear hearing aids which means my ears dont get much air flow which means im more suscecptible than most other people to ear infections. However on one ocassionb last summer i was in agony - my ear hurt like hell, i couldnt bear for it to be touched, it was really swollen, i couldnt get my hearing aid in etc etc and the doctor was all "theres nothing wrong. i cant see anything". However I insisted on some antibotics and/or ear spray and it cleared up.

Id insist on some form of painkillers/antibiotics because you shouldnt have to suffer. Get yourself checked out properly by your GP and if hes crap, seek another doctor (sounds extreme but the third doctor i saw managed to diagnose my problem and since then ive been fine with no bother).

My doctor always refers me to this website: http://www.patient.co.uk/index.asp maybe this will help you get a step closer to your ear problem?

HTH

M

Re: Ear Pressure
 

Thanks for the link. No antibiotics/spray because there is nothing there that is an infection - both for inner and outer ear, I had it looked over just on Monday there. Never had any issues with that Doc before. My ear doesn't swell up, it just gets very red and sore. I used to be prone to ear infections when I was younger when I swam a lot, and it's definately not an ear infection. Plus, it's not a permanent problem, it's only been the last 6 weeks or so with my helmet on.

Re: Ear Pressure
 

Did it flare up randomly out of the blue? if so it could be otitis externia? (what i was diagnosed with) http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068864/

Id deffo go back to the doctors and possibly insist on being seen by an ear specialist. 6 weeks is a long time to suffer :(

Re: Ear Pressure
 

I've had a quick look at that link... I don't have any those symptoms. My ear is absolutely fine the rest of the time, so it's not been hurting for the past 6 weeks - it was just about 6 weeks ago I had some trouble with it when I was out for the day.

:confused:

Re: Ear Pressure
 

Oh I see, sorry mis-read what you said..! Maybe its just a one off thing then :D

Re: Ear Pressure
 

I'm hoping so! That's why I was thinking it just pressure cause the ear is so sensitive anyway... I'm hoping it's just a one off cause we go away on Tuesday on the bike!!

Thanks for the links, and advice though :D x

Re: Ear Pressure
 

Demanding antibiotics for an ear infection is a **** move anyway - there's been enough work done showing they clear up in a week if you don't use antibiotics versus 7 days if you do take some. They've only really got a role in extensive or deep-seated infections where you need the security of antibiotic cover.

You sure it's not the helmet? If the foam's worn or its not fitted properly then your ear could be pressing against the shell.

edit: I wonder how people named Richard cope with this forum censoring their nickname.

Re: Ear Pressure
 

Had my helmet for a good few months but it's not been used enough for the foam to be worn - and previous journeys out on the bike was never an issue with this ear!
I'm stuck for ideas to sort it :(

Re: Ear Pressure
 

Could be you are folding your ear when putting on the helmet and not noticing it, sounds strange i know but does happen. Have a feel up inside the helmet when its on to make sure your ear is not folded over, or if you have remveable pads, whip them out and skim a wee bit off the side not in contact with your ear to give you a wee bit more room.
Another thought is the lining could be chaffing the ear, you could wear one of those tube thingys .

hth

Re: Ear Pressure
 

I found the autocom headset put a lot of pressure on my ear, and got painful after an hour or two, probably because the helmet was quite a tight fit to start with. You can get different types of headset which dont put pressure on the cartilage of your ear in - moulded in ear type which may be more comfortable though they are not cheap

Re: Ear Pressure
 

I've felt it fold over and i do straighten it out :rolleyes:

I think i'll have to do some handywork with the pads - they are removable. I'm getting fed up of a roasted and red ear :smt022

Re: Ear Pressure
 

what earplugs do you use?
& the cleaning routine you use?

Re: Ear Pressure
 

You could dig out some polystyrene for a cheap fix but wont make your helmet safer. This was what I was thinking of but not tried them http://www.ultimateear.com/