headsup
Stick it in Your Ear Ear plugs and why you need them M
y Grandma once told me not to stick anything smaller than my
elbow in my ear. Well, Grandma never got trashed in Lucifer’s Anus (or any other large hole for that matter), paddled during ski season, or hucked herself off drops large enough to cause her head to explode. But she did manage to stop me from ramming TicTacs into my nasal and auditory orifices around the age of six. It’s time to regress, listen to Raffie albums and lodge things in my ears. I am more selective now and there are good reasons paddlers should consider investing in and using a set of ear plugs when they paddle.
Product Profile
There are three major types of ear plugs for water sports: A silicon ball that covers and blocks the entire opening of the ear but does not enter the ear canal; insertion plugs with and without attachment cords made from silicone or plastic that are inserted into the ear canal; and finally, pre-molded plugs that create a seal between the water and ear canal. We tested some different products and found that it is really a matter of personal preference. Try some out to find a prod- uct that fits and suits your ears and use them.
Smiley’s
Famous for nose plugs, Smiley’s also has an ear plug for paddling. An insertion plug with a cord that could keep your plugs tied to your helmet or catch on your PFD when dangling between rides and end up lost anyway. These are most likely to be in your paddling shop so they’re
worth a try. call Shaman Products 301.526.1122.
Jaco Ear Band-it
Jaco Ear Band-it is a silicon plug with head band. Wearing the required ear band- it is all the rage on the
rodeo cir- cuit. Plugs
are comfort- able but not dry without the head
band.
www.earbandit.com Doc’s Pro-Plug
Arguably the most innovative ear plug on the mar- ket. Pre-sizing in the shop is required and seems like it would be a retail nightmare—a good fit is required and there are 8 sizes to stock. If you can get the right fit they keep water out and let noise in. They come with or without a cord and with or without a pressure vent.
www.proplugs.com or
www.steamerlane.com
Mack’s
Plug without cord: Easy to insert, easy to remove. Soft and comfortable plug. Shatter-proof case fits in pfd or shorts pocket. Silicone: Reusable until dirty or no longer sticky. Reasonably comfortable, good seal, looks like you have gum in your ear. Plug with cord: The plug itself was comfortable. I found that the plugs did not stay on the cord well and as a result they are easy to lose. Make a deci- sion; put them in your ears or in your life jacket pocket.
www.macksearplugs.com
AOSafety E-A-R-Plug
E-A-R- Plugs come in a compact case that can attach to your key chain. They’re easy to insert but the end sticks too far out of my ear to be comfortable or to use under a scull cap.
www.aearo.com
Cold water Freaks: Exostosis Improvements in cold water gear have lengthened the average paddling season and as a result many are putting-on in icy spring run-off, winter ocean swell and glacier fed rivers. Instant ice cream headaches, unbelievable shrinkage and lack of feeling in the extremities are maladies cold water boaters have learned to live with, but few worry about Exostosis. Long term exposure to cold wind and water can lead to permanent hearing impair- ment. Frigid water flowing directly into your brain is not enjoyable and prolonged repeti- tion triggers a defense mechanism in your body. Surfers Ear or Exostosis is the build up of bony growths within the ear canal which in the long term hinders hearing and drainage. Your ears literally attempt to close out the cold water and wind. Early symptoms are diminished hearing and draining abilities. Surfer’s Ear occurs over years of exposure so prevention is key.
When allowed to flourish, a costly surgery known as canaloplasty is the only solution. At least you won’t hear the mini jack hammers and drills as they re-establish the opening to your brain.
Warm Water Wusses: External Otitis We don’t drink river water because sadly
there are toxins and pollutants in our rivers. If we choose not to ingest this water why do we allow it an unobstructed passage into our heads?
Swimmers Ear, or External Otitis is an infection of the ear canal caused by different types of fungus and bacteria. It develops in people who are exposed to persistent exces- sive moisture. It occurs most often during summer months when water is most likely to host fungus and bacteria.
Experiencing pain when the ears are pulled or pushed, and discharging fluids are typical symptoms. At times the pain may be so unbearable you may have the desire to park your truck on your head. Aggressive ear cleaning can increase your chances of infection. If you are as explo- sive with a Q-tip as when throwing aerial blunts, put down the ear cleaning device and walk away. The use of a post paddling drying solution such as alcohol and vinegar or Mack’s Dry-n-Clear can help prevent infec- tion and bacteria growth. See a doctor if suf- fering from chronic earaches.
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www.rapidmag.com
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