Another reason to wear ear plugs

[shovelmike]

I have been thinking of wearing ear plugs so wind noise so I won't lose what hearing I've got left, here's another reason to wear them:
While riding yesterday an insect flew in my ear, usually not a problem they usually buzz around in my outer ear and “bug” me for a few minutes then find their way out of there. This little guy headed right into my ear canal.
I stopped as soon as I safely could and removed my helmet. He was squirming around and it hurt like crazy. I felt like he was trying to back out of there and I reached up to see if I could assist, the second me finger touched him he burrowed back in. I sat there with my hands on my head and toughed it out and after a minute or two he backed out of there and fell to the ground.
He looked like a mud dobber, a fairly good size one. My ear canals are small to the extent that ear plugs won’t fit, I simply insert them into the outer ear and hope they stay, it’s amazing that he got in there thank God he got back out.
My wife got home from work and I took her on a nice long evening ride, wearing ear plugs, that's enough for one day. It would really be a hassle to interrupt a motorcycle trip to find a local hospital and have an insect removed from your ear.
The first time in 40 years of riding that this has happened, it's OK with me if it never happens again. lol

[unfknblvbl]

I haven't had that happen while riding, but there is at least 3 times I've had them ants with wings land in my ear canals, I feel your pain. Glad he got out of there.

I've considered wearing earplugs or possibly my iPod (at a low volume) to cut down on wind noise after a while it becomes really irritating and speed dependent it hurts. This is just another reason to take a more serious look at my consideration.

[BlueBob]

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.

[Hammerhead Pat]

No bugs into the ear before, but lots of love bugs splattered on the outside of my ears. Now that bee that flew into my shirt was another story

[sgtcowboyusmc]

Originally Posted by Hammerhead Pat

No bugs into the ear before, but lots of love bugs splattered on the outside of my ears. Now that bee that flew into my shirt was another story

That's why I don't wear a full face helmet. Bee got inside at 70 MPH and stung me 4 times before I could get the bike stopped and helmet off. Been stung 1 since and that was just one sting with no helmet on!

Ear Plugs are a great Idea. A Guy I ride with wears them and I think it is something everyone should think about. I'm still thinking....

[Bigincher]

Wow, I guess I'm way off base! --- I've been riding Harleys for 35 years and can't stand ear plugs. Tried em once, couldn't hear my motor, couldn't hear my partner, couldn't hear other traffic, and when I did take em out and rode with em out, I thought my motor was coming totally unglued!
No thanks, I'll just continue to go deaf in my own way.......

[aceharleywrench]

I have another alternative that I use....I keep 'em covered with hair!

[BlueBob]

Originally Posted by Hammerhead Pat

Now that bee that flew into my shirt was another story

That's happened to me before. It suuuucked. I always use foamies if I'm going over 50 for any extended period. Besides protecting my hearing, it makes the ride soooo much more enjoyable.

[tommyglide]

I ear ya......

[eeyore]

Carry some cotton balls in your windshield bag or pocket. You can tear off just enough to pack in your ear canal. It keeps your ears clean, cuts down on the annoying wind noise, but still lets you hear that sweet pipe song, your buddy's voice, or that peace officer coming up behind you. I can testify from personal experience that it won't provide any protection when you get a bee stuck between your helmet strap and your ear, however. Ow.