Ears hurt after running outside

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redwngs13
redwngs13 Posts: 194 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I just recently started to run outside now that the weather is getting nicer, but I've noticed that when I'm done and I come back inside my ears hurt. It feels like an ear ache or infection, but I know I don't have one since that is the only time I ever feel it. It usually lasts about an hour before they start to feel better. I am pretty sure the reason they hurt is from the wind. Has anyone ever had this and what did you do to help it? I thought about ear muffs, but since it's getting warmer I don't want to look like an idiot with ear muffs in 60+ degree weather.

Replies

  • thirtyby40
    thirtyby40 Posts: 702 Member
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    I have had this before. If it is inner or outer you may want to get a band to wear over your ears, if it is just inner ear try putting cotton balls in your ears. I think some people just have ears that are more sensitive to cold.

    Maybe someone has a better solution but this has worked for me
  • mikeyrp
    mikeyrp Posts: 1,616 Member
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    I get that when its cold... I just put up with it - head band sounds like a good plan though.
  • Atlantique
    Atlantique Posts: 2,484 Member
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    Since you said it's like an earache, my first guess is that you clench your jaw while running, at least when you're really working hard. This can definitely give you a headache or an earache! Ideally, you want your lower jaw just hanging loose. This is one time that it's absolutely fine to 'look like your catching flies', as your mama would say.

    Also think about where your shoulders are. A lot of us start bringing our sholders up to our ears when we're stressed. So every now and then, think about relaxing your shoulders, as this may also help.

    If it really is just the cold, you can get earmuffs or a head band to protect them from the wind and temperatures.
  • louiseei
    louiseei Posts: 254 Member
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    I am the same, I'm sure it's the wind. I use in ear headphones on my ipod which help, but I guess it depends where you are running in case you need to listen out for traffic. Otherwise maybe some sort of headband like a buff pulled over your ears.
  • redwngs13
    redwngs13 Posts: 194 Member
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    I kind of like listening to nature when i'm outside, but using my ipod headphones might be a good solution. If not, then a headband would probably do the trick. Thanks for the advice everyone!
  • jane77
    jane77 Posts: 489
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    Atlantique thanks for the info on the jaw and shoulders good stuff. I have the same problem if its the least bit windy or cold. I have been seen with a headband on in 80 % weather it helps and I never look good running anyway so...... my comfort is way more important than what others think buy a lite weight head band and keep on running
  • iaho1976
    iaho1976 Posts: 49
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    It sounds like it could be that your ears are just sensitive but the comment about the shoulders is a fair one, the SCM muscle which starts in you shoulder (and chest) conects to the lump behind your ear and can cause all sorts of pain (and other things) including ear and jaw ache. http://www.round-earth.com/SCM.html

    Ian
  • makeitallsue
    makeitallsue Posts: 3,086 Member
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    I have what I call "baby ears", just the smallest amount of wind can get my ears hurting. I wear a headband or wrap and my problem is solved. I make my own head wraps, just a 1/4 of a yard of terry cloth can yield a lot of head bands, cut them about 3-4 inches wide and then measure your head and cut a little smaller (because fabric will stretch some) sew that 1 seam, by hand or machine and wear with pride.... I sweat a lot so it helps me 2 fold! Good luck!
  • Atlantique
    Atlantique Posts: 2,484 Member
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    Atlantique thanks for the info on the jaw and shoulders good stuff. I have the same problem if its the least bit windy or cold. I have been seen with a headband on in 80 % weather it helps and I never look good running anyway so...... my comfort is way more important than what others think buy a lite weight head band and keep on running

    You're welcome! Folks are more likely to clench their jaws while lifting weights, but lots of people do it whenever they are working really hard. Usually this results in a post-workout headache, but if you clench hard or for a long time, you can irritate a nerve that runs along your jaw and get ear pain.

    I had never had an earache in my life until my wisdom teeth started coming in (they had to be removed) and I had just happened to mention it to the oral surgeon. He said it was from my teeth--both the wisdom teeth and the grinding I do while asleep. He was right--once the wisdom teeth came out, the ear pain stopped. But I'll still get it sometimes if I forget to wear my bite guard at night.

    Furhter down the thred, someone posted a good link to why letting your shoulders creep up toward your ears can also result in headaches and earaches.
  • tkaser
    tkaser Posts: 1
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    I actually went to the doctor to try and see what could be done about this very thing. She told me the same, it was just the nerves in my ears being hyper sensitive to the cold, wind, etc. Even putting my earbuds in did not help. So, a hat or headband is the way to go.
  • Lauram_Lucas
    Lauram_Lucas Posts: 1 Member
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    EXPERTS’ TIPS FOR THE COLD SEASON
    Keep your ears warm during cold periods (by wearing a hat, headband, earmuffs or a good ski helmet).
    Do not put cotton wool in your ears to protect them from the cold wind. It may cause inflammation in the ear canal.
    After taking a shower or going swimming, you should dry your ear canal before going out into the cold.
    If you have an ear infection, you should consult your physician or an ENT specialist. Ear infections that are left untreated can get worse and cause even more damage.
    Minor damage to the pinna, the outer part of the ear, due to cold conditions may be painful, but in most cases this will go away by itself if you stay in a normal heated room. Gently massaging the ears can help warm them up again. Never use hot water to warm up your ears!
    In severe cases of frostbite, you should consult a physician without delay.
    You should remove any earrings if you are spending long periods of time in the cold. Metal conducts cold quickly and can rapidly cool down any parts of the body that come into contact with it.

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