Helmet and eardrums

[ill'n]

Okay, after reading all your posts on this topic, I got paranoid about hearing protection and decided to wear the disposable plugs I use at the shooting range. But every little bump on the road makes the ear plugs pump in and out of my ears. The only way I can describe it is like one of those plungers used to unclog the toilet. I can feel the air pressure pressing my ear drums in and out. That can't be healthy for my ears. Has anyone experienced that? Any way to fix it?

[Koss]

You should try out some different ear plugs. There has to be one out there thats a perfect fit, provided enough protection, and will stay still in your ear canal.

A good way to try it out is buying a sample pack. Im going to do so myself.

Sample Pack

[Lion_Lady]

Okay, after reading all your posts on this topic, I got paranoid about hearing protection and decided to wear the disposable plugs I use at the shooting range. But every little bump on the road makes the ear plugs pump in and out of my ears.

Does your helmet fit correctly? I can think of no reason that there should be any movement against the earplugs that would cause this to happen, unless your helmet is moving on your head while you ride. That should NOT happen.

Do the earplugs fit flush with the outside of your ear, or do they stick out beyond your ear shell?

P

[ill'n]

Does your helmet fit correctly? I can think of no reason that there should be any movement against the earplugs that would cause this to happen, unless your helmet is moving on your head while you ride. That should NOT happen.

Do the earplugs fit flush with the outside of your ear, or do they stick out beyond your ear shell?

I think the helmet is a good fit. I did the test of shifting it left and right, and trying to roll it off my head from behind, and it passes those tests. During the bump, there is a bit of movement, but that's because from the "slack" in my head skin.

After reading your comment that the plug might be sticking out too much, I tried inserting it as far in as I can make it go. The effect is diminished, but not by much. I'm starting to think it's my ear canal that flexes due to the movement from the "slack" in my head skin.

Oh, by the way, I'm using Howard Leight's Leight Sleepers plugs. It's foam on the inside, but the outside layer is smooth and waxy (it came with wax on it, it's not from my ear, really! ) so that it forms an air-tight seal. Does everyone's earplugs form air-tight seals? Maybe I should look for less sealing type foam plugs.

[Andrew]

I had been using disposable foam type plugs prior to my visit to the audiologist but they never worked as well as the custom ones.

I've been using the foam plugs and they must just fit my ears perfectly, because I can't hear anything with them in. I wouldn't want something that works even better. Plus, I like the idea of going to Walgreens and buying a 100pk for about $10.

[Lion_Lady]

Does your helmet fit correctly? I can think of no reason that there should be any movement against the earplugs that would cause this to happen, unless your helmet is moving on your head while you ride. That should NOT happen.

Do the earplugs fit flush with the outside of your ear, or do they stick out beyond your ear shell?

I think the helmet is a good fit. I did the test of shifting it left and right, and trying to roll it off my head from behind, and it passes those tests. During the bump, there is a bit of movement, but that's because from the "slack" in my head skin.

After reading your comment that the plug might be sticking out too much, I tried inserting it as far in as I can make it go. The effect is diminished, but not by much. I'm starting to think it's my ear canal that flexes due to the movement from the "slack" in my head skin.

Oh, by the way, I'm using Howard Leight's Leight Sleepers plugs. It's foam on the inside, but the outside layer is smooth and waxy (it came with wax on it, it's not from my ear, really! ) so that it forms an air-tight seal. Does everyone's earplugs form air-tight seals? Maybe I should look for less sealing type foam plugs.

Are those the ones that are cylinder shaped or bell shaped? If they're the cylinder shaped ones, you might have some luck by using a pair of sharp scissors to trim one end at an angle so it doesn't stick out so far.

P

[CycleNewb]

Although I've not yet picked up my scoot from the dealer, I used to play drums for a heavy metal band and got the ringing sensation in my ears. It's like the "emergency broadcast system" test going off in your head.

I started using the foam plugs and it diminished, but too little too late. I went to the ear dr. and basically had to give up my dream of a professional music career.

Whether it's from noise or wind buffetting, you only get one set of ears boys & girls, so protect 'em.

[ill'n]

Are those the ones that are cylinder shaped or bell shaped? If they're the cylinder shaped ones, you might have some luck by using a pair of sharp scissors to trim one end at an angle so it doesn't stick out so far.

P

They're bell shaped. But I will try trimming them too, and if those don't work, I will try different types. Thanks for your help, Lion_Lady.

[Koss]

Trimming or altering your ear protection will alter its protective qualities, and may not reduce as much noise as it would have previously. I would suggest checking out the site I put up earlier, and also read up on the review where I got that link from in the first place.

Earplugs from Lucy Dell

it comes out to roughly $20 US for the sample pack, including shipping and handling. And from there you can pretty much know which fits you best, and then get that brand and type.[/url]

[Rydr]

i just wasted $17 on a pack of ear plugs... they don't stay still and it hurts my ear after a while.

i need custom ones.

I have custom ear plugs that cost mucho denero and they even hurt after wearing them under my helmet for half an hour or so. If you can find cheap ones that work and are not to uncomfortable use them.