My ears have always been uber sensitive. being exposed to any slight wind or breeze or cold air for more than about fifteen minutes will cause so much pain in my ears that I often end up with a migraine.
I am not positive on the scientific reasons for it - I have heard that sometimes the ear canal can be shorter in some people than in others... I have also heard that people who have sensitive hearing in general (like musicians) have issues with severe ear pain and can be prone to more frequent ear infections.
It does not matter what time of year, if I am outside and it is breezy, and my ears start to throb, it always results in a migraine.
Activities like rollerblading or bike riding, skiing, snowboarding, water skiing or wake boarding/surfing, or simple just being outdoors with no ear protection can turn a fun day into excruciating pain.
In the Winter, it's never a big deal. Toques and ear muffs are prevalent. I can cover up my ears, help prevent ear infections, and avoid pain and complications later on.
But what about Spring and Summer weather?
When I was playing beach volleyball and it was breezy, I was the weirdo sporting a bikini and fuzzy ear muffs.
(I actually really wish that someone had taken a picture of that... I looked pretty ridiculous).
On the softball field I would have my baseball cap, sunglasses, short shorts annnnnnnnd ear muffs. In 30 degree weather.
Golfing too, bike riding, basically anything that caused some major air movement around my ear canals - I would be wearing Spring and Summer outfits with a toque or ear muffs.
This year I purchased my little comfort bike and I plan on riding it at least every second day if not every single day through the Summer.
The first time I went out, there was no wind, so I thought I would be alright. (And in truth, it slipped my mind). Unfortunately, by the time I got home, my ears were throbbing and I had to lie down all curled up with a pillow on each side of my head pressing on my ears, eyes closed and lights off.
The second time - I wore my fuzzy ear muffs.
But I thought that there had to be an easier way - something that would work without having to wear Winter gear.
I decided to go to Shoppers and ask the pharmacist for his/her opinion.
I explained my situation - I wanted some kind of ear plug that would protect my ears from the wind but still allow me to hear traffic. He looked at me, looked back at some of his colleagues, looked bewildered, and gave me the facial expression - 'seriously?'
Safe to say, he had no real advice since he had never heard that particular request.
I finally picked up some disposable ear plugs that are designed for swimmers. Because they are designed to keep water out but also still allow for the person to hear, I thought it was a decent choice.
And EUREKA!!
Of course, air still passes through, but only a fraction. I went on a nice bike ride today - and instead of cutting my ride short because of severe ear pain, I got to ride a little longer and only had to go home when my hips were in severe pain.
Success!!
So - if you are like me and trying to figure out how to avoid that insane pain in the ears from wind, try out some swimmer's ear plugs! No more Summertime ear muffs!!!