Do "ear planes" work?

[barbeml]

I came down with a sinus infection on our last day at WDW (Friday). Our descent into Philly (it is a verrrrrrrry long descent to that airport) was agony for me--my ears hurt so bad I was in tears and I was nearly deaf for about 15 minutes. I have had sinus trouble since I was a child, but never while flying.

I happened to see an ad for "ear planes" in the latest (and sadly last) Disney Magazine. Has anyone tried them? I will do anything to avoid that pain again.

 

[kristielee]

Hi, I have been using them for the past few years. DD, 7, used to really have a tough time, and since we've gotten Earplanes she's not complined at all. I too, like you when I have a cold or sinusitis. I swear by them. They usually sell them in the airport, but they're generally cheaper in you're local Rx.

 

[RamseyTrio]

I use them all the time when I fly and I think they do a great job. I also use a nose spray prior to departure and take sudafed to make sure I'm all unclogged (doctor suggested those last two for me). Using those three has kept me pain-free.

You should give them a try next time Nothing worse than ear pain.

 

[debster812]

I was and am the poster child for bad ears, and ear difficulty when flying. I literally could not handle the descent into Logan without tears. It hurt that much.

About 3 years ago, I was travelling on business with 2 directors and 2 VPs from my division. I felt that tears would really NOT be the career move to make, so I took a chance on the Earplanes. I will not ever fly without them again.

Per my Dr.s advice, I start taking Sudafed (or something like it) 3 days before we fly, and use the EarPlanes, and *poof* no more pain for me.

Give it a try, it may help you tremendously, and it certainly cannot make it any worse.

Oh--just as an added FYI--my DS dislikes them INTENSELY. We've tried the Children's size on him 2x, and he wants no part of it, and so far, so good, he's not had my problems flying.

 

[barbeml]

Thanks so much for the replies! Luckily, we had Afrin with us so I was able to keep my nose unblocked. Can't imagine how much worse it would have been like without it.

I will definitely get some Earplanes.

 

[ducklite]

I've been using them for five years--maybe more?

I LOVE THEM!!!

Even with them I still have a bit of pain, but generally not the agony I go through without them. (Since a ruptured eardrum in 1989, even a change in air pressure due to weather can give me ear pain. )

I wear the children's size, the adult size are too large for my ear canals.

Anne

 

[debster812]

Thanks so much for the replies! Luckily, we had Afrin with us so I was able to keep my nose unblocked. Can't imagine how much worse it would have been like without it.

I will definitely get some Earplanes.

.

If you have time between now and your next flight, consider ordering them from drugstore.com They have a 3-pk of the adult size for $10.99. They are usually around $4-5/pair at the pharmacy or WalMart.

 

[barbeml]

Thanks debster...I love drugstore.com.

 

[Bev J]

LOVE ear-planes! my DH will not fly without them. In the long run it saves us so much $$ not having to go to a DR 1-2 days after he flys. The best $4 we spend when we travel.
Thanks for the tip about Drugstore.com, i will order from them since we will be traveling a couple more times this year.

Bev

 

[Pinnie]

Thanks to the poster that suggested the drugstore.com site for Earplanes! I fly about 12 times a year and would purchase them one set at a time for $4.99 at Meijers! I would NEVER fly without them. Once I forgot them at home and bought a pair at DTW for $8! They are that worth it to me!

pinnie

 

[bigtinkfun]

I have tremendous trouble with my ears whenever I fly, but since I found earplanes, no more problems for me. I will not fly without them!

I buy mine at Wal-Mart, that's the cheapest I've found them.

 

[Debs1963]

Thumbs up to earplanes. Used them on our recent flight to WDW and our kids had no complaints about the noise or the pressure. They both have chronic sinus problems and in fact my son was being treated with antibiotics for a sinus infection during our trip. Would not fly without them.

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

Do you put them in before you board? During the flight? Right before descent? Are they like regular earplugs that block noise?

 

[Anastasia]

I too have terrible sinuses. I only tried ear planes one time, and that was my worst flight ever. However, I did have a sinus infection, so I'm pretty sure that the ear planes were NOT the problem!!

I find the thing that works best for me is to take sudafed for a few days before flying, and then use afrin shortly before the flight, and one time mid flight.

I wouldn't worry too much about a recurrence. The worst flight I ever had, (the above mentioned one with the sinus infection), was really bad. I was completely in tears and felt like my head was going to explode. It was so bad, that I looked into taking an Amtrak train home (from Chicago to PHL). However, my flight home ended up being completely uneventful, I felt fine. I have varying degrees of discomfort on flights, but never anything like the one with the sinus infection.

Based on the above recommendations, I would try the ear planes, but I think the most important thing is to make sure you are not congested before you fly. Those of us who have experienced this pain never want to experience it again! Best of Luck on future flights!

 

[crzy4dals]

QUOTE: Do you put them in before you board? During the flight? Right before descent? Are they like regular earplugs that block noise?

Can anyone answer?
I am looking for these for my son....

Thanks

 

[Aunt Cawa]

They should be put in before you take-off. It is not necessary to put them in before you board. They say you can take them out once you reach cruising altitude. I generally don't since my flights are usually no longer than 3 hours long. If you do take them out, you should reinsert them when the plane starts to descend. They don't really block much noise and I have no trouble hearing the flight crew.

HTH!