Water in ear

[Big Kahuna]

2008 I had Sinus Surgery. Before that I never had any issues with getting water in my ear. Since then, all the time, and I have a hard time getting it out. I guess my sinus always being clogged kept the water from being able to enter. And now, flows right in. This past weekend had same problem. Though this time, it pushed a piece of ear wax against my ear drum and made me feel like it was full of water and my balance was off some......... Went to Dr, they cleared it out, but still sore... Anyone ever try riding with any kind of ear plugs? I know "Wear a Helmet" I do when racing or surf riding........... But not flat water. Though, when surf riding I still have issue with water in my ear with a helmet.

 

[smokeysevin]

I don't have a solution but I get the same thing. I'm interested in options

Sean

 

[tor*p*do]

For water in the ear post ride, 50% rubbing alcohol dripped into ear will break the surface tension and let the water come out.
For wax, use hydrogen peroxide until it stops bubbling. Repeat as necessary to dissolve and remove ear wax.
With either treatment, turn head sideways and use a little alcohol or peroxide in cap to pour into ear. Have a paper towel handy to absorb what comes out. Peroxide comes out yellow from dissolved ear wax.
Repeat as necessary

 

[Big Kahuna]

I am looking at more preventative!!!!!! None of those worked or even helped. Dr had to desolve it with 2 different chemicals then flush. I am just interested in ear plugs of some kind..............

 

[jo5hi3]

Learn to roll!!

 

[Big Kahuna]

Learn to roll!!

Damn, that is a great idea? But what about doing inverted nose stabs? You kinda go under....

 

[SteveC]

I have piles of Howard Leight smartfit ear plugs with connecting cords lying around here for other reasons, but they are the most comfortable long-wear earplugs I've found. I can wear them for hours and they don't hurt. Others have reliably always hurt my ears. I'm guessing YMMV, but the point is that they aren't foam and thus don't absorb water or whatnot. They are pretty easy to use (placing into ear is largely problem free), are connected via a cord that could be shortened with a knot pretty easily or also connected to a vest with another piece of fine cord. Note that they aren't permanently connected to the cord, so either silicone them on yourself or know that they CAN come off the cord (which is likely a safety thing).

SmartFit® | Honeywell

Honeywell SmartFit® earplugs use body heat to adapt to the shape of the ear canal for a comfortable, personalized fit. Discover all features and benefits.

safety.honeywell.com

 

[Big Kahuna]

I have piles of Howard Leight smartfit ear plugs with connecting cords lying around here for other reasons, but they are the most comfortable long-wear earplugs I've found. I can wear them for hours and they don't hurt. Others have reliably always hurt my ears. I'm guessing YMMV, but the point is that they aren't foam and thus don't absorb water or whatnot. They are pretty easy to use (placing into ear is largely problem free), are connected via a cord that could be shortened with a knot pretty easily or also connected to a vest with another piece of fine cord. Note that they aren't permanently connected to the cord, so either silicone them on yourself or know that they CAN come off the cord (which is likely a safety thing).

SmartFit® | Honeywell

Honeywell SmartFit® earplugs use body heat to adapt to the shape of the ear canal for a comfortable, personalized fit. Discover all features and benefits.

safety.honeywell.com

Do you ride with these?

 

[SteveC]

Do you ride with these?

Negative. I meant to say that (and I think I even typed it, but I must have overwritten it). I don't use any ear plugs on the water because I don't have the problem you're describing. I was just pointing out the earplugs that I've found to be the best for long-term use, lots of taking on and off, good with moisture (in my case, it's sweat)... that sorta stuff.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Gotcha. Thanks Steve.

 

[jo5hi3]

Damn, that is a great idea? But what about doing inverted nose stabs? You kinda go under....

Blow air out through your ears while under water.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Blow air out through your ears while under water.

I'm Full of Hot Air!!!!!!

 

[SXIPro]

Negative. I meant to say that (and I think I even typed it, but I must have overwritten it). I don't use any ear plugs on the water because I don't have the problem you're describing. I was just pointing out the earplugs that I've found to be the best for long-term use, lots of taking on and off, good with moisture (in my case, it's sweat)... that sorta stuff.

Send BK a sample or 2 from your 'pile'.

 

[Big Kahuna]

I think we have a bunch of these here at work.

 

[SteveC]

Send BK a sample or 2 from your 'pile'.

I think the last time I bought them (they do eventually wear out), I got a 10 pk : https://www.amazon.com/SmartFit-Howard-Leight-Earplugs-Reusable/dp/B00LH0UI54/ 10 pair for $11 was a no brainer.

If you really want me to package a pair, drive to PO, ship it, I'll do it, but for $6 or so, The Worlds Richest man will have his army of minions see that a pair comes to your door in just a few days.

 

[headshock]

I wear a helmet and use a nose clip, def helps unless It gets blown off from a bad landing.

 

[Sanoman]

l would think about hitting the side of your head on a trick with an ear plug in it and forcing it further into your ear canal.Think about that..

 

[OCD Solutions]

I was thinking the same thing. Most earplugs have no safeguard against being driven further in.
Molded earplugs with the large outer area would be the way to go in that regard. I aim for the most NRR for work but for riding, you would want them as light as possible to still hear your surroundings. You should be able to get as low as 15NRR.

Custom sets can get quite expensive but I think there are a few DIY kits available now that would be perfect for this application where NRR isn't the primary concern.
For instance;

Do-It-Yourself Custom Molded Ear Plugs

Do-It-Yourself Custom Molded Ear Plugs are great if you're just learning about custom molded ear plugs and want to give them a try, or if you absolutely need custom ear protection on a budget. These inexpensive ear plugs allow you to make yourself a nice little set of custom molded ear plugs in...

www.earplugstore.com

 

[uga86]

it pushed a piece of ear wax against my ear drum and made me feel like it was full of water and my balance was off some......... Went to Dr, they cleared it out

I have the same issue - and I think the issue is not water getting into the ears necessarily, but that the water gets behind partial blockages or pushes the blockages deeper like you suggested. I bought a cheap ear flush system from equadose and the poop it flushes out of the ear is disgusting - but everything feels/sounds clear as a bell immediately afterward. I was skeptical - but it worked for me and cheaper than one trip to the Dr for sure.

I bought on amazon but they're available on ebay/amazon/etc for < $20...

Equa Dose Hear Ear Cleaning System, SHIPS FREE | eBay

<p>Equa Dose Ear Cleaning System. Condition is New with box. Shipped FREE with USPS First Class Package.</p>

www.ebay.com

 

[X2Kid]

Well, it appears they make dedicated ear plugs for swimmers/surfers. Might be worth a try?

I started using ear plugs years ago when I lived near a hospital and had to put up with the emergency chopper flying over my apartment at all hours. I went through several brands/styles until I found a silicone version that worked well for me. I guess you’ll just have to go through the process like I did until you find the best solution.