hkspwrsche

I know what you mean. The movement of the top changes the pressure on your ear drums. If they are sensitive (cant swim/ dive deeper than 10 feet without plugs) you will feel it. I do mostly city driving so top up doesnt bother me and the long trips I have been able to handle so far. sounds like you are more sensitive to it. The hard top will eliminate the pressure changes youre feeling.

NNY S2k

I'm only going to guess the pressure you're talking about is very similar in a car with the softtop up and a car with the hardtop on.

jackk

To those who suggest earplugs, you are right on; when I am on the highway, say speeds over 55, the earplugs make a huge difference, not only from the wind but also from the traffic. When around town, you really don't need them. Try a few different styles to find ones that suit you.

With the hardtop on and windows down, I experience much more noise and buffeting than with the soft top. I think the minor flexibility of the soft top absorbs the buffeting whereas the hardtop just holds it in.

jasonjm

They sell really soft gel type ear plugs, similiar to the headphone plug covers used with today's phone headsets and inear headphones.

I recommend these if your set on going the ear plug route.

noodles_2005

Sorry for the confusion, I should have been clearer.

When I'm on the freeway I have the top up and the windows up. The pain I'm feeling feels like pressure pain, similar to when you fly with a head cold and plugged ears or diving too deep as hkspwrsche put it. I'm guessing my ear drums are hypersensitive?? (Why can't I be special in a good way...) Hkspwrsche nailed it and I was wondering if others experienced something similar and if so, did the hardtop help solve your problem? I love the car, it just hurts like a mother for a few hours after I drive it.

If I got the hardtop I'd be driving with the windows up. Thoughts?

Thanks

NNY S2k

Noodles,
I have a hardtop but as I don't suffer the same condition as you I don't really have a concrete answer for you. If you live near me I'd be glad to give you a ride to see if it helps, so my suggestion would be to find someone in your area that would give you a ride before you spend money on a hardtop that dosn't help. Now if you were getting the hardtop for a differant reason, looks, security, warmth that is a differant story.

noodles_2005

Thank you NNY S2k, that's very nice of you to offer! Unfortunately I'm in California, but I'll take your suggestion and ping the folks in my area.

Thanks again!

NNY S2k

I hope you're able to find someone in your area to help you out...Good luck!

CaptainMike

Someone on this forum is an Audiologist you could do a search for 'ear plugs' and find and PM him. I would definitely see a doctor if I were you. What you are experiencing is NOT normal.

Johnny Sack

ear infection?