Airplane Earplugs: This You Need to Know

Flying is routine for many people, but for your ears it remains a strain. During ascending and descending, air pressure changes in a short period of time. Your ears have to adjust continuously, and that does not always go without a hitch. The result can be an oppressive feeling, dull hearing or even pain.

Airplane earplugs are designed to support your ears in this process. They help make pressure changes more controlled while reducing background noise in the cabin.

Why your ears get symptoms during rise and fall

The cause of ear problems lies in the rapid changes in pressure in the cabin. Normally, the Eustachian tube balances pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

During ascent, the pressure in the cabin drops. Air from the middle ear must then escape. This usually happens naturally, but may cause a slight oppressive sensation.

During descent, the pressure actually increases. The middle ear must actively take in air to compensate for the difference in pressure. This takes more effort and is the reason why complaints are often stronger precisely when descending.

When the pressure change is faster than your ear can keep up, stress is created on the eardrum.

What are airplane earplugs?

Airplane earplugs are special earplugs with an integrated filter. That filter ensures that air and pressure are more gradually transmitted to the ear.

They combine two functions:

• pressure regulation during ascent and descent
• attenuation of cabin noise

This makes them distinctly different from ordinary foam or silicone earplugs.

Pressure regulation at rise and fall

The filter in airplane earplugs slows the rate at which air pressure changes. This gives the ear more time to adjust, both when ascending and descending.

This helps to:

• reduce pressure sensation during takeoff
• prevent earache on landing
• reduce the feeling of closed ears after flight

This effect is particularly noticeable when descending, as the ear must then actively adjust.

In-flight noise reduction

In addition to pressure regulation, airplane earplugs also offer noise reduction. They reduce the constant background noise of engines and air circulation without completely cutting you off from your surroundings.

This provides:

• more peace of mind during the flight
• less listening fatigue
• more comfortable sleeping on board

Announcements in the cabin usually remain quite audible.

Universal airplane earplugs and custom earplugs

Universal airplane earbuds

These earplugs are ready-to-use and suitable for most ears. They contain a standard pressure filter and are easy to insert.

Advantages:

• easy to use
• readily available
• suitable for occasional air travel

Disadvantages:

• fit varies by ear
• on long flights sometimes less comfortable

Custom airplane earplugs

Custom-made earplugs are tailored to the shape of your ear canal. They remain stable and often offer more comfort on longer or frequent flights. Of course, you can have them made with us. You don’t need an appointment, you can just come by our swim plug walk-in (yes, you can have your flight plugs made then, too).

Advantages:

• optimal fit
• comfortable with extended wear
• suitable for frequent fliers

Disadvantages:

• higher investment
• customization required

When do you use airplane earplugs?

For best results, timing is important. Airplane earplugs work best when you put them:

• before taking off
• continues to wear during ascent
• throughout the fall in holds
• Removed only after landing

Thus, they support your ears during all times when the pressure changes.

Who are airplane earplugs suitable for?

Airplane earplugs are recommended for:

• people with pressure-sensitive ears
• children
• people with hearing loss
• people who fly regularly
• people who continue to suffer from closed ears after a flight

They can also provide additional support in case of colds or allergies.

What they don’t do

Aircraft earplugs do not eliminate pressure changes, but make them manageable. Nor do they replace medical treatment for serious ear problems, but they can significantly reduce symptoms.

More comfortable flying for your ears

By providing support during both ascent and descent, airplane earplugs make flying more enjoyable. Less pressure, less noise and a greater chance of hearing normally after landing.

For those who value comfort on the go, they are a logical addition to carry-on luggage.