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Cauliflower ear and tight helmets

MtnRacer

MtnRacer

Veterinarian
Joined
Aug 15, 2002
Location
San Leandro, CA
Moto(s)
'05 636, '97 F3, '03 650 Prod, '02 MV F4
Name
McLovin
My ears must stick out a bit because I just started noticing that my technique of just jamming my lid on is starting to hurt and cause fluid build up. :( I think it's likely I damaged the cartilage in the upper part of my ear. This is the second time it's happened. The first time earlier this year I didn't realize what it was. It went away on it's own, but it seems to be lingering around longer this time around.

Anybody else experienced this problem? Experiences and suggestions welcome.

Thanks!
Steve

P.S. The helmet is a perfect fit, save for this one issue, so I'm not interested in replacing it.
 
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I typically pull the bottom of the helmet outwards as I'm putting it on, so my ears don't get folded over.
 
MtnRacer said:
P.S. The helmet is a perfect fit, save for this one issue, so I'm not interested in replacing it.
Click to expand...

itd suck if u couldnt wear a helmet because of ear pain. u really should try on some more helmets.

there are plenty of diff shell shapes and sizes. some offer more width at the opening so that u dont need to destroy your ears to get it on. over the years ive found 4 helmets that fit the top of my head perfectly. 1 is a little loose around my jaw, 2 barely squeeze past the temples of my head, and 1 is just right.
 
I have trained JiuJitsu for 20 years and my ears are fucked up. I have to use a baklava that I got at Road Rider that covers my head and just the tops of my ears so the helmet will slide over them. They are hard as rocks and don't like to move.
 
Buff... wickable, breathable

I suggest you get one or two of these BUFF head scarf things. I use them for fishing during the summer, winter and whenever I want to cover my head, neck or both at the same time.
I use it under my helmet, too. Keeps my head from gooking up the the helmet, and the helmet slips on nicely.
You can even soak it in water, and use it as helmet A/C. Wonderful products.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-dE3WFaObk&list=PLEcj7NLrVylOehFUjnFXlkCjbC1hF_kIz
 
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Stop wearing that 1987 Arai you got at Salvation Army.
 
Some good suggestions. :thumbup

I'm kinda wondering what to do with the fluid in my ear currently? Does it go away by itself or do I need to see a doc?

Steve
 
If you get a knitting needle and tack hammer, I can fix that for you. :)
 
A shop-vac leaves less evidence for the coroner, tho.
 
MtnRacer said:
Some good suggestions. :thumbup

I'm kinda wondering what to do with the fluid in my ear currently? Does it go away by itself or do I need to see a doc?

Steve
Click to expand...

Hang on, let me finish posting a motorcycle question on the medical forum and I'll get right back to you....
 
Learn some defense for god sakes!!!:toothless

Usually it needs to be drained ASAP and is prone to infection. The longer it stays the higher chance it will be permanent.
 
edit: what lucky13xx said. :laughing

I had the same happen after my trip to Alaska and subsequent trip around some western states. The helmet fit fine, but the Scala audiovox speakers on one side must have been placed a little off. I just took the discomfort/mild pain as part of riding long hours or having the helmet on for too long most days.

It wasn't until I looked closer after those trips that I noticed some cauliflowering.

Since, I have readjusted that speaker and removed padding behind the speaker to move it away from the ear. It's better.

The cauliflowering won't necessarily go away on it's own, but, after it is drained you need to apply compression to the ear to prevent the fluid from building up again, in between the cartilage and skin , cause it will.

It's why the rugby guys wear those ear muff looking head bands.

I drained my ear 3 times, with needle and syringe, and took about 1.5 - 2 mls of bloody fluid out each time. Wrapped my ear and waited. It's much better, but can still feel some bit of fluid in the cartilage which eventually hardens and makes the ear stiff. Like edzx6 mentioned above.

The thing about lancing it, sticking a needle in it and draining is you should do everything possible to prevent an infection. (Ie, don't use a Tac or random pointy thing). Haha. I just used a piece of ice to numb it long enough to stick the needle in the ear, while looking in the mirror and trying not to stab the side of my head. :laughing.
 
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A little more ugly will only make your mug a little prettier. :p

Can you shave (the foam around the ears)? :laughing

I just discovered my RF1200 has speaker
Pockets (removable inserts) and perhaps your helmet has a feature you just didn't notice?
 
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It happened to me cause my helmet speakers were binding. Had to go too the Dr to get it drained and then they had to inject an antibiotic so it doesn't build up fluid again. Best thing to do is take off your helmet a little slower and spread out the chin straps as wide as possible
 
PROBLEM: SOLVED!

helmetsrus_2231_1969830
 
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