Sores on ears because of helmet

TnNinjaGirl · June 21st, 2009, 07:56 PM

Anyone else have this problem? The other day I started developing sores on the back of my ear lobes from my helmet. They are just really chapped and hurt bad.

Any thoughts?

Snake · June 21st, 2009, 08:00 PM

This happened to me when I was first trying to break in my new helmet. After 2 months when it was fully broke in / stretched it all whent away and I haven't had a problem since. Try working pulling and pushing the helmet to get it to flex.

kkim · June 21st, 2009, 08:31 PM

what brand/model helmet? there are some that offer different sized liners/pads that you can change out that might help.

Elfling · June 21st, 2009, 09:11 PM

What kkim said, or as a ghetto quick fix- bandaids over the sore spots? Or those gel callous pad things?

Cedilla · June 21st, 2009, 09:30 PM

The pads in my helmet seem to put pressure right in front of my ears which really starts to bother me after about 30min. I just grab my helmet start twisting pushing and pulling on it at stoplights to try to get it off that pressure point

(Im sure i look crazy to people in cages lol). If your ears are getting chapped maybe you could put some moisturizer on them before you ride.

ShishkaBOMB · June 21st, 2009, 10:32 PM

TnNinjaGirl and Cedilla, perhaps your helmet does not fit your head right.

I tried on and bought a Shoei after thinking it was a very nice fit. But once i had it and wore it for 30min. or more it felt like a torture device. A lot of pressure was put on my temples to the point where it was unbearable.

I later returned that helmet and spent an hour each wearing helmets in the store. I discovered that i had an odd shaped head after many helmets would not feel comfortable.

zail · June 22nd, 2009, 03:27 AM

I had a problem with my shoei lid where it was pressing on the front of my ear and making it really really sore after about an hour to the point where I would then have earache all night after a ride... I ended up takibng all the lining out and removing bits until I found the exact bit that was pressing and it's fine now! Good luck

Banzai · June 22nd, 2009, 04:41 AM

That's the issue with helmets, they feel good at the store, but after an hour of riding, you always seem to find the bad points.

If it's fully broken in, AND you're committed to that helmet, you might want to try altering the foam inside a little bit to get a more comfortable fit.

Other than that, it's like was said above, you have to wear them around the store to find one that's gonna work first try. I use the local stores for sizing and fit, then order online and get the better pricing.

DerTeufel · June 22nd, 2009, 05:34 AM

Helmets have different shapes, just our heads have different shapes. Picking the right helmet can be time consuming. In regards to altering the foam, I wouldn't do that. The liner or padding you could modify, but not the shock absorbing part of the helmet.

tjkamper · June 22nd, 2009, 05:35 AM

<<<Just a thought>>>

Are you wearing earings? You might want to leave them at home or in a tank bag when you ride.

TrueFaith · June 22nd, 2009, 07:48 AM

This is not something to take lightly! If your ears are subjected to constant pressure, sores can develop on your ears that DO NOT GO AWAY. These sores can also be caused by excessive telephone use or even constantly sleeping on your side with pressure from your pillow on only one ear. The only way to get rid of them is surgically, as in have them cut out.
Your ears do not have very good blood circulation and any sore on them can develop into one of these permanent hard and sensitive spots that do not heal normally. If you do not do what you can to prevent them from forming they will be a constant source of irritation and can actually get even worse. Get yourself a helmet that FITS as soon as possible. No part of your ear should contact the helmet inside the ear cup.

TnNinjaGirl · June 22nd, 2009, 08:40 AM

It's a Fulmer Visigoth. I haven't had this problem until recently. I've had the helmet for about 4 months now. All of a sudden it just started chapping my ear lobes. I never noticed any pain of any kind before.

Apex · June 22nd, 2009, 08:45 AM

The curse of the dragon!!! lol

Hope your ears get better CB!

JMIrrobali · June 22nd, 2009, 08:47 AM

When I was breaking in my new helmet (exo1000 Scorpion), I had the same problem, chapped/scratched ear lobes. I still use the helmet today and do not have the problem; so perhaps the helmet does fit, just your ears need to adjust?

TnNinjaGirl · June 22nd, 2009, 10:55 AM

Hmm... Thanks everyone. It's strange so many people have had this problem and no one really knew about it. I guess I'll just keep an eye on everything to make sure my little ears don't have to get little(er). I'd sure hate to have to lop them off.

Snake · June 22nd, 2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

Hmm... Thanks everyone. It's strange so many people have had this problem and no one really knew about it. I guess I'll just keep an eye on everything to make sure my little ears don't have to get little(er). I'd sure hate to have to lop them off.

If it continues for more than a few days than you may want to see your doctor to be sure.

Apex · June 22nd, 2009, 11:55 AM

My Shoei RF1000 has a perfect pocket for my ears to sit in. I tried several helmets and I guess I lucked out with my purchase.

KJohnson21 · June 22nd, 2009, 12:35 PM

CB, did your ears get too much sun at the lake?

Usually the only time I get an ear problem with my helmet is when my hair gets just long enough to have the hair-tips brushing a spot repetitively.

CC Cowboy · June 22nd, 2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

This is not something to take lightly! If your ears are subjected to constant pressure, sores can develop on your ears that DO NOT GO AWAY. These sores can also be caused by excessive telephone use or even constantly sleeping on your side with pressure from your pillow on only one ear. The only way to get rid of them is surgically, as in have them cut out.
Your ears do not have very good blood circulation and any sore on them can develop into one of these permanent hard and sensitive spots that do not heal normally. If you do not do what you can to prevent them from forming they will be a constant source of irritation and can actually get even worse. Get yourself a helmet that FITS as soon as possible. No part of your ear should contact the helmet inside the ear cup.

Wayne, good to see you on here buddy. Have you been riding lately (I hear there's been a little rain).

I thought pennicilin could cure those sores, you mean you have to have them cut out? How do you get these sores again? Listening for crotch pheasants?

Jiu Jitsu Player · June 22nd, 2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

This is not something to take lightly! If your ears are subjected to constant pressure, sores can develop on your ears that DO NOT GO AWAY. These sores can also be caused by excessive telephone use or even constantly sleeping on your side with pressure from your pillow on only one ear. The only way to get rid of them is surgically, as in have them cut out.
Your ears do not have very good blood circulation and any sore on them can develop into one of these permanent hard and sensitive spots that do not heal normally. If you do not do what you can to prevent them from forming they will be a constant source of irritation and can actually get even worse. Get yourself a helmet that FITS as soon as possible. No part of your ear should contact the helmet inside the ear cup.

I've been battling cauli ears for a while now. It's usually a result of wrestling but there are other ways to get them. Anyhow, when its really sore sometimes I'll wear wrestling ear guards under my helmet. Probably not the coolest looking things to have on, but they help protect your ears and the soreness isnt as bad. You can do a google search for wrestling ear guards. I would suggest the foam ones as they're pretty lightweight but work well inside the helmet.

Tubesock · June 22nd, 2009, 05:33 PM

I'm used to the helmet not because I've ridden for a long time but because I wrestled for a long time and my ears are used to getting roughed up. After years of practice u get used to having your ears curled up and beat on.

ajaygraci · June 22nd, 2009, 05:56 PM

omg this happened to me too but it stoppped after awhile... they were like pimple in my ear from sweat.. eww

Sailariel · June 22nd, 2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

This is not something to take lightly! If your ears are subjected to constant pressure, sores can develop on your ears that DO NOT GO AWAY. These sores can also be caused by excessive telephone use or even constantly sleeping on your side with pressure from your pillow on only one ear. The only way to get rid of them is surgically, as in have them cut out.
Your ears do not have very good blood circulation and any sore on them can develop into one of these permanent hard and sensitive spots that do not heal normally. If you do not do what you can to prevent them from forming they will be a constant source of irritation and can actually get even worse. Get yourself a helmet that FITS as soon as possible. No part of your ear should contact the helmet inside the ear cup.

Wayne, As a retired Physician`s Assistant, I second that. You are absolutely correct.

Snake · June 22nd, 2009, 06:11 PM

Thats why I said if it persists she needs to go see her doctoe before it gets worse.

Sailariel · June 22nd, 2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake

Thats why I said if it persists she needs to go see her doctoe before it gets worse.

For Sure.

Jiu Jitsu Player · June 22nd, 2009, 07:07 PM

hopefully your doctoe doesn't get stubbed.

TnNinjaGirl · June 23rd, 2009, 05:28 AM

I haven't been riding for a few days and they seem to be getting better. I'd rather not provoke them into hurting more. Once they heal up and I ride again I'll see if they get sore again or what happens.

rockNroll · June 23rd, 2009, 10:11 AM

I've had sore ears from a couple different helmets and found that it was mostly being caused by puttin on and removing the lid. Try lifting the helmet different when removing.. like lift the front higher then off or lift the rear higher then off... try this when putting it on too...know what I mean?

You might find that a different technique might be easier on them ears.

Banzai · June 23rd, 2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockNroll

I've had sore ears from a couple different helmets and found that it was mostly being caused by puttin on and removing the lid. Try lifting the helmet different when removing.. like lift the front higher then off or lift the rear higher then off... try this when putting it on too...know what I mean?

You might find that a different technique might be easier on them ears.

I had that problem with a very expensive Icon lid. Oddly enough, it felt good at the shop where I bought it. But no matter what I did, it ripped my ears off every time putting it on and taking it off in daily use. Even the age old method of pulling the straps out while putting on/pulling off didn't help. Away to Craigslist it went, and good riddance.

addy126 · June 25th, 2009, 09:19 PM

My 1st 2007 helmet (GMax Dragon Blk/Red) when removing it quickly separated the skin from the cartilage in the upper part of right ear. Cauliflower started, went in 2 days later to specialist and had it frozen, lanced, packed and stitched into the ear to secure it. Antibiotics etc. Fixed it in 2 weeks... I now pull the helmets I have wider with the straps and slowly push it down onto the head. Don't jam it in. Pull straps out wider to take off slowly with a little one ear first coming out tilt other ear to follow works for me. Its the neckroll area that causes me problems, not the internal components. Now and again the bottom lobes get irriated and I think its only because of not being extra careful in pulling and removing slowly. In a couple days it goes away... just slow it down and pull harder <grin>

June 21st, 2009, 07:56 PM	#1
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	Sores on ears because of helmet Anyone else have this problem? The other day I started developing sores on the back of my ear lobes from my helmet. They are just really chapped and hurt bad. Any thoughts?

June 21st, 2009, 09:30 PM	#5
Cedilla ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Huntsville, AL Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 755	The pads in my helmet seem to put pressure right in front of my ears which really starts to bother me after about 30min. I just grab my helmet start twisting pushing and pulling on it at stoplights to try to get it off that pressure point(Im sure i look crazy to people in cages lol). If your ears are getting chapped maybe you could put some moisturizer on them before you ride.

June 22nd, 2009, 03:27 AM	#7
zail ninjette.org member Name: zail Location: Bristol, UK Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250r Posts: 156	I had a problem with my shoei lid where it was pressing on the front of my ear and making it really really sore after about an hour to the point where I would then have earache all night after a ride... I ended up takibng all the lining out and removing bits until I found the exact bit that was pressing and it's fine now! Good luck __________________________________________________ Bristol, UK - R&G Tail Tidy, Exhaust Hanger, Bar ends & Crash Protectors, Skidmarx Hugger & Double Bubble, SW motech mirror extenders, Scorpion Exhaust, Cycle Control levers & Rearset Adjusters

June 22nd, 2009, 04:41 AM	#8
Banzai Psychic war veteran Name: Thomas Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawi Green '09 Ninja ZX6R Posts: 663	That's the issue with helmets, they feel good at the store, but after an hour of riding, you always seem to find the bad points. If it's fully broken in, AND you're committed to that helmet, you might want to try altering the foam inside a little bit to get a more comfortable fit. Other than that, it's like was said above, you have to wear them around the store to find one that's gonna work first try. I use the local stores for sizing and fit, then order online and get the better pricing. __________________________________________________ * If you're arguing with some idiot over the internet, chances are pretty good he's doing the same thing! Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction

June 22nd, 2009, 05:35 AM	#10
tjkamper ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Travis Location: Warwick, RI Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	<<<Just a thought>>> Are you wearing earings? You might want to leave them at home or in a tank bag when you ride. __________________________________________________ Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls.

June 21st, 2009, 08:00 PM	#2
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	This happened to me when I was first trying to break in my new helmet. After 2 months when it was fully broke in / stretched it all whent away and I haven't had a problem since. Try working pulling and pushing the helmet to get it to flex.

June 21st, 2009, 08:31 PM	#3
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	what brand/model helmet? there are some that offer different sized liners/pads that you can change out that might help.

June 21st, 2009, 09:11 PM	#4
Elfling ninjette.org guru Name: Becca Location: Clearwater, FL Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 03 Ninja 250, 02 CBR600 f4i Posts: 253	What kkim said, or as a ghetto quick fix- bandaids over the sore spots? Or those gel callous pad things?

June 21st, 2009, 10:32 PM	#6
ShishkaBOMB ninjette.org member Name: Shish Location: SGV, CA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 35	TnNinjaGirl and Cedilla, perhaps your helmet does not fit your head right. I tried on and bought a Shoei after thinking it was a very nice fit. But once i had it and wore it for 30min. or more it felt like a torture device. A lot of pressure was put on my temples to the point where it was unbearable. I later returned that helmet and spent an hour each wearing helmets in the store. I discovered that i had an odd shaped head after many helmets would not feel comfortable.

June 22nd, 2009, 05:34 AM	#9
DerTeufel ninjette.org member Name: Aaron Location: Wildomar Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2009 KTM 690 SMC, 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 750 (track bike) Posts: 172	Helmets have different shapes, just our heads have different shapes. Picking the right helmet can be time consuming. In regards to altering the foam, I wouldn't do that. The liner or padding you could modify, but not the shock absorbing part of the helmet.

June 22nd, 2009, 07:48 AM	#11
TrueFaith ninjette.org sage Name: Wayne Location: Brookfield, MA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585	This is not something to take lightly! If your ears are subjected to constant pressure, sores can develop on your ears that DO NOT GO AWAY. These sores can also be caused by excessive telephone use or even constantly sleeping on your side with pressure from your pillow on only one ear. The only way to get rid of them is surgically, as in have them cut out. Your ears do not have very good blood circulation and any sore on them can develop into one of these permanent hard and sensitive spots that do not heal normally. If you do not do what you can to prevent them from forming they will be a constant source of irritation and can actually get even worse. Get yourself a helmet that FITS as soon as possible. No part of your ear should contact the helmet inside the ear cup.

June 22nd, 2009, 08:40 AM	#12
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	It's a Fulmer Visigoth. I haven't had this problem until recently. I've had the helmet for about 4 months now. All of a sudden it just started chapping my ear lobes. I never noticed any pain of any kind before.

June 22nd, 2009, 08:45 AM	#13
Apex Livin' the Minimoto Life Name: Mark Location: Riding around in TX Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.	The curse of the dragon!!! lol Hope your ears get better CB! __________________________________________________ --- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro

June 22nd, 2009, 08:47 AM	#14
JMIrrobali ninjette.org member Name: Jared Location: El Paso, Texas Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja Ex250 09' Posts: 15	When I was breaking in my new helmet (exo1000 Scorpion), I had the same problem, chapped/scratched ear lobes. I still use the helmet today and do not have the problem; so perhaps the helmet does fit, just your ears need to adjust?

June 22nd, 2009, 10:55 AM	#15
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	Hmm... Thanks everyone. It's strange so many people have had this problem and no one really knew about it. I guess I'll just keep an eye on everything to make sure my little ears don't have to get little(er). I'd sure hate to have to lop them off.

June 22nd, 2009, 11:55 AM	#17
Apex Livin' the Minimoto Life Name: Mark Location: Riding around in TX Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.	My Shoei RF1000 has a perfect pocket for my ears to sit in. I tried several helmets and I guess I lucked out with my purchase. __________________________________________________ --- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro

June 22nd, 2009, 12:35 PM	#18
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	CB, did your ears get too much sun at the lake? Usually the only time I get an ear problem with my helmet is when my hair gets just long enough to have the hair-tips brushing a spot repetitively. __________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

June 22nd, 2009, 05:33 PM	#21
Tubesock ninjette.org member Name: David Location: Chatta-vegas Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 69	I'm used to the helmet not because I've ridden for a long time but because I wrestled for a long time and my ears are used to getting roughed up. After years of practice u get used to having your ears curled up and beat on. __________________________________________________ "When I die I want mud on my jump boots, magazine empty, and barrel hot."

June 22nd, 2009, 05:56 PM	#22
ajaygraci ninjette.org member Name: Angelo Location: North New Jersey Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja 250r, black, carbon fiber full exhaust...2000 toyota 4runner Posts: 136	omg this happened to me too but it stoppped after awhile... they were like pimple in my ear from sweat.. eww

June 22nd, 2009, 06:11 PM	#24
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Thats why I said if it persists she needs to go see her doctoe before it gets worse.

June 22nd, 2009, 07:07 PM	#26
Jiu Jitsu Player Live 2 Ride Forced 2 Work Name: Chris Location: Guam Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 RED 250r Posts: 386	hopefully your doctoe doesn't get stubbed. __________________________________________________ SAVAGE MODE: [ON] OFF www.7milesdown.com

June 23rd, 2009, 05:28 AM	#27
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	I haven't been riding for a few days and they seem to be getting better. I'd rather not provoke them into hurting more. Once they heal up and I ride again I'll see if they get sore again or what happens.

June 23rd, 2009, 10:11 AM	#28
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	I've had sore ears from a couple different helmets and found that it was mostly being caused by puttin on and removing the lid. Try lifting the helmet different when removing.. like lift the front higher then off or lift the rear higher then off... try this when putting it on too...know what I mean? You might find that a different technique might be easier on them ears.

June 25th, 2009, 09:19 PM	#30
addy126 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: addy126 Location: Tx Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki N-250 + '09 Vulcan 900 Classic Lt Posts: A lot.	My 1st 2007 helmet (GMax Dragon Blk/Red) when removing it quickly separated the skin from the cartilage in the upper part of right ear. Cauliflower started, went in 2 days later to specialist and had it frozen, lanced, packed and stitched into the ear to secure it. Antibiotics etc. Fixed it in 2 weeks... I now pull the helmets I have wider with the straps and slowly push it down onto the head. Don't jam it in. Pull straps out wider to take off slowly with a little one ear first coming out tilt other ear to follow works for me. Its the neckroll area that causes me problems, not the internal components. Now and again the bottom lobes get irriated and I think its only because of not being extra careful in pulling and removing slowly. In a couple days it goes away... just slow it down and pull harder <grin>

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