Helmet ears

[ROTTEN]

Has anyone experienced a sore ear (outer ear or pinna) occasionally when wearing a helmet for several hours? It doesn't happen all of the time but is very distracting when it occurs. Always just one ear and never predictable. I've had this with Arai and Bell. Both were very comfortable - not too snug or loose.

 

[Arkyride]

Happens with every new helmet I buy. Cure--try to pinpoint the pressure areas where they contact the ear and moosh the opening with the back of a spoon, gently a litltle at a time. Also works for the front edge that contacts the forehead. Once that material is smashed , it stays that way, so don't go overboard at first

 

[greenwald]

Poor Fitting Helmet

You mention a painful fit with your Arai. While this is an expensive and well respected helmet in the 'lid industry,' manufacturers are more aware than ever now of not just head size (circumference around the forehead), but also of head shapes.

Arai in particular makes different lines, based on round head versus long head, etc.

If an ear intermittently hurts, it's a fit problem and can be unrelated to snuggness. Suggest you try other brands or a different line from Arai, if that's where you helmet loyalty lies.

A good fitting helmet, with chin strap closed, should be 'tight' enough not to be pushed off from behind and snug against your cheeks, so that when you shake your head, skull and helmet move as a single unit. Your chin should not touch the chin bar when speaking from inside the helmet.

It is a common concern in the Basic Rider Courses (MSF) I teach, and we spend a fair amount of time on the subject with new students, giving them time-tested advice.

Good luck!

 

[lionlady]

I've found that my ears will sometimes begin to ache. It seems to happen more often as I get back in to regular riding with warmer weather, then happens only on long rides.

If I've got sunglasses on, it is worse. Likely related to the earpiece of the glasses behind my ear.

P

 

[belquar]

I get the sunglass ache on my ears. I have taken steps to eliminate that problem with my new helmet. I got 3 different shields. Once we get fully into the DST I will be able to leave my full smoke on all the time and not worry about the glasses.

My helmets, HJCs, have removable ear pads. I never put them in so I don't get the ache in the pinna.

Brian

 

[sheridesabeemer]

I thought this was a thread about Brad...

 

[Bobmws]

Helmet makers make a recess in the padded lining that is supposed to correspond with the placement of 'your' ears on 'your' head. Unfortunately we are not all cookie cutter assembled. You can usually alleviate this problem by peeling back the helmet liner and removing some of the foam rubber padding that is used to construct the ear recess. It is usually not necessary, nor recommended, to remove or adjust the styrene foam impact liner.