If you ever travel by plane, you know that the change in air pressure can cause some serious ear pain. But did you know there’s specially designed ear plugs for flying?
No matter where you’re flying to, earplugs can greatly reduce the pain felt from flying. Not only are they extremely affordable, they’re also very effective.
Here are the must have ear plugs for flying, for both adults and children.
Super Soft Adult EarPlanes
One of the original makers of airplane ear plugs come from EarPlanes, and they’re still trusted today.
This updated version has a brand new extra soft design, while still protecting your ears from flying. These are designed specifically for relieving discomfort and pain from air pressure changes felt when flying. They’re incredibly comfortable and made from a durable silicone material.
EarPlanes are disposable, so you don’t need to worry about cleaning them or bacteria growing on them from reuse. They’re ideal for when you travel infrequently and don’t need these types of earplugs all the time. A single box has five pairs, so that can last five different flights.
EarPlanes also create children’s earplugs for flying. These smaller earplugs can also be used by adults with smaller ear canals, but still provide the same protection and relief as the originals.
Many reviewers have said that EarPlanes has allowed them to enjoy travelling again. This is especially true for children who are afraid of flying due to the ear pain felt from air pressure changes. Any type of earplugs for flying can make a huge difference.
Luiswell Pressure Reducing Ear Plugs
Another great option for ear plugs for flying are the pressure-reducing plugs from Luiswell. These earplugs are made from a soft silicone that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, perfect for long-haul flights. They even provide a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 26 dB, which helps minimize annoying background airplane noise.
Because of their material and design, you can wash these earplugs and reuse them again. This is ideal for those who travel fairly frequently and don’t want to re-buy earplugs every time they fly.
Worried about losing them? All pairs of Luiswell earplugs come with their own small storage case. Plus the bright blue colour make them easier to see if dropped if your bag.
These look a little different than the typical flange design (like the next earplugs on our list) but are still comfortable and effective.
Mack’s Flightguard Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs
If you’ve ever researched earplugs, then you’ve definitely heard of Mack’s. These particular earplugs by Mack’s are made specifically for airplane cabin pressure relief when flying.
Like Luiswell plane earplugs, these soft silicone earplugs come with a NRR of 26 dB. This noise rating greatly reduces the sounds of the airplane engine, crying children on the plane or other general background noise.
The “Aero Filter” within Flightguard earplugs helps with pressure regulating due to altitude changes. It also comes with an easy-grip stem that sticks out slightly to make it easier for your to insert and remove the earplugs whenever you need to.
At the end of the day, any Mack’s earplugs are reliable and effective. We also love their Ultra Soft Earplugs for sleeping!
Sanohra Fly
Other option for ear plugs for flying is Sanohra Fly. These help reduce the pressure put on your ear drum from flying and eliminates discomfort and pain. These earplugs are in between disposable earplugs that you throw away after one use, and reusable earplugs that can be used over and over again. Sanohra states that you can use each pair about six times before throwing them out.
They offer their “regular” sizes earplugs, but also sell Sanohra Fly small ear plugs, if you tend to have smaller ear canals. This is great for those who struggle to find earplugs that fit their ears properly.
Alpine Fly Fit Earplugs
Alpine Fly Fit earplugs are other alternative for plane earplugs. Like the others, these also reduce general noise. However, Fly Fit contain soft filters that allow you to hear conversations, but block out loud noises like the engine. This can be hugely helpful when travelling with others, including children, so you can still hear them without taking the earplugs out.
Fly Fit earplugs are comfortable but effective, greatly reducing the pain and discomfort felt when flying normally.
Some reviews have commented that when EarPlanes were too big, these Fly Fit earplugs were the right size for their small ear canals.
Not sure how to best clean these earplugs? Every order comes with an Alpine Cleaner and carrying case to make maintenance easier for you. Unfortunately, the Alpine Cleaner doesn’t fit in the little carrying case, so it’s likely you might lose it immediately.
Why use ear plugs for flying?
Many people struggle to fly because of discomfort and pain in their ears. Some people avoiding flights entirely because this discomfort is too much.
This is where earplugs come in handy.
Certain earplugs made for flying help reduce pain from the pressurized air inside the plane. By wearing plugs for take-off and landing, the plugs help regulate the air pressure from the plane cabin and your inner ear.
This disturbance felt in the ear is often called “airplane ear.” The science behind the pain results from an imbalance of air pressure in the middle ear versus the air pressure in the plane cabin. This imbalance stops your eardrum from vibrating normally.
If you want to minimise Airplane Ear, you could also try:
- Yawn and/or swallow during takeoff and landing
- Chew on gum or a mint can also help provide some relief
- Don’t fly when you have a sinus infection or ear infection as this can be excruciating when flying
- Decongestant nasal spray can be helpful with nasal congestion that can get painful during flights. Usually this is most effectively taken 30 minutes before takeoff and 30 minutes before landing
- Try the Valsalva maneuver – Take a big mouthful of air, close your mouth and pinch your nose shut. Slowly and gently push out air until you feel your ears pop. However, do not try this maneuver if you have a cold or allergies as it could cause an ear infection
In addition, earplugs can obviously do their original purpose: reduce sound. This can be hugely beneficial, especially on long haul flights. By reducing the external sounds of the plane engine, passengers talking, children crying and other general noise, you’ll be able to relax far easier. Hopefully, earplugs can even help you sleep through all those sounds.
In the end, the best treatment for “airplane ear” or pain felt when flying is by using ear plugs for flying. These have been designed to regulate painful air pressure changes, more so than any other method. They are even multiple options for children to safely use without experience pain from flying.
Thankfully these types of earplugs are affordable and easily accessible, so no future flights will be painful ever again. Make sure to always have some earplugs for flying handy and you’ll never have to worry about flight discomfort again.