Ear Planes - I'm sold but with a few ?? still.

[Ms. WDW]

After reading the thread "Ear Pain When Flying" and having a lousey time this weekend because of allergies, I think I'm sold on Ear Planes.

I leave in 2 weeks for WDW. I have allergies, which until TODAY have been under control!!! My allergies affect my ears, and if it's one thing I absolutely can't stand it's clogged ears with pressure you can't "pop". And knowing what clogged ears on a plane can feel like, I really think I need Ear Planes.

I go for my shots next Saturday and I'm hoping and praying that the ears will settle down within a weeks time.

I do have a question however for those of you who have used them. When they are inserted, is it like having clogged ears? Can you hear anything other than the internal sound of your voice?? And do your ears still get clogged? I would imagine not as bad as if you didn't have them in.

I found a great website on Ear Planes and they said you can remove them about 10-15 minutes after the Fasten Your Seatbelt sign goes off. However they do recommend putting them back in an hour prior to your scheduled landing time.

You have know idea how worried I get when it comes to my ears and flying and if these really help as everyone says then I'll really be a happy DIS'er.

 

[etwinchester]

I was wondering if you had that website on the ear planes?

Can you use them more than once?

 

[Ms. WDW]

The website is http://earplugstore.com You'll see all sorts of catagories on the left side. Just click on "Flying" something, I forget exactly what the title is.

They say you can use them for one round trip flight and then toss them.

There's lot of information on this site. I'm still hoping someone can answer my questions.

Good Luck!

 

[etwinchester]

Thanks.

I did find another website, which is their direct website.

It's www.earplanes.com

You might want to call the 800#, they could answer your questions.

 

[Ms. WDW]

Thanks! I think I'll do that Tuesday.

 

[mbb]

Originally posted by Ms. WDW
...
I do have a question however for those of you who have used them. When they are inserted, is it like having clogged ears? Can you hear anything other than the internal sound of your voice?? And do your ears still get clogged? I would imagine not as bad as if you didn't have them in....

If you mean the pain/uncomfortable feeling..no, not really...you do hear your own voice...it's like putting your fingers on your ears and pressing hard...doesn't hurt - but you're aware of it...does that make sense?

I don't like wearing the headphones with them...I do find that uncomfortable...so I read

I leave mine in the whole trip... I don't like the risk of having pain. DH takes his out after take-off, and puts them back in again when descent begins. Earplanes are only good for One "UP' and one "Down"...so if you don't have a driect, non-stop flight, get enough pairs

HTH!!

 

[Ms. WDW]

mbb - thanks for that answer. It does make sence. I would imagine they would have to be in "tight" in order for them to work.

One more question please.... I know they help releive the pain associated with flying. How about the "clogging". When you remove them finally, are your ears clogged?

If you're wondering why all the ???? I have bad allergies. They've been controlled until NOW. I fly in 12 days and I'm worried about problems during and after the flight. I have an appointment next Saturday with the allergist and hope he can releive some of the congestion that has began again.

Sorry to all if I seem like a "baby" about ears, but in all honesty, I am.

Thank for all the help; I do appreicate it!

 

[Disney Ella]

I've worn them and my ears did not feel clogged when I took them out.

 

[Ms. WDW]

Disney Ella - Thank you!!

I'm picking up a pair tomorrow.

 

[suncat73]

I just returned from WDW and also used earplanes on my trip and they worked great. On my flight there I don't think I had them inserted the correct way so the one ear got a little clogged and I had pain also. The way back they worked great. Make sure you have them inserted correctly- they should feel snug and I did have a little trouble hearing but it certainly was better than the pain and clogging I usually get. I left mine in the whole flight - short only 2 hours - and took them out as soon as the cabin door was opened. I waited until i saw people exiting. My ears felt clogged with them in but as soon as they came out they were clear and I felt great!

Good luck - hope they work for you. I know how frustrating and painful flying can be!
Have a great trip

 

[LeslieM]

My DD and I always wear them to fly, both with allergies and both with pressure problems. I've been a happy flyer since we started wearing the earplanes. I'm very aware of them being in with everything a little muffled, so I normally remove them and then reinsert for landing. No worries, then !

 

[Ms. WDW]

Thanks LeslieM and suncat73 for your replies.

I'm sure now, that the ear planes coupled with the trip to the allergist this weekend will help me.

I think I'll most likely put them in for take off and then remove them and then put them back in for landing. Even though the flight is just about 2.5 hours, I dont think I'd be comfortable with that "muffled" sensation the entire time.

Again, a very big "thanks" to all for replying and offering advice!!

I'd still like to hear other's experiences...

 

[disneysue]

I have an earplanes question, also. They look so small. Has anyone ever gotten them stuck in their ears or had problems with their kids' using them?

 

[Ms. WDW]

disneysue - I just picked up 2 pair of the ear planes. I figure if I'm going to try them, and I'm such a baby about my ears I'm going to try them before I fly.

You can't put the entire thing in the ear; there's a piece that sticks out. They aren't "flush" to the ear.

I'm curious to see if anyone has gotten them stuck.

 

[etwinchester]

The regular earplanes state "for children 11 and up" and they now make a children's earplanes for children 1-11. I would recommend them.

 

[eeyore45]

I swear by them!! And I always have dh check mine to make sure I have them in right!! I had a hard time finding the child's size for dd 7, but found them at WalMart!

I take them off once we've 'leveled' and put them in again before landing... I use one pair for the roundtrip... they say they can get clogged with dust, dirt etc so not to use them for more than that...

yep it is slightly muffled... I also chew gum, and give dd (well ds back then he'snot going this time, and dd wasnt born first flight!) tootsie rolls to chew on!!

 

[Ms. WDW]

I had my friend at lunch laughing just watching me trying to get these things in. See, I had to buy two pair; one to "try out" before the trip and one to use for the trip. I didn't know if I could stand that "muffled" sensation, but it's not bad at all!! Actually, it's less muffled than I expected.

I know....you all must be saying "this chick is weird", but I'll be the first to admitt it. When it comes to my hearing and ears, I am neurotic!

But seriously........I read the directions, pulled the top of the ear with one hand and with the other hand inserted the plug and "twisted" it in like a screw. Didn't feel uncomfortably tight, and I really could hear more than I expected. Hope they are in the right way!

So now we'll see.......

Again thanks for all the notes and words of encouragement!!

Now if the counters were working, tomorrow I could say "I'm doing the single digit dance"!!

 

[erikalk]

Originally posted by etwinchester
The regular earplanes state "for children 11 and up" and they now make a children's earplanes for children 1-11. I would recommend them.

I have small ears and have to use the children's size, even though I am much older than the "11 and up" age.

 

[disneysue]

I know that there are 2 different sizes, I'm just wondering if they could or ever got stuck in someone's ears. Anyone?

 

[mbb]

Originally posted by disneysue
I know that there are 2 different sizes, I'm just wondering if they could or ever got stuck in someone's ears. Anyone?

No. The large (adult size) are about an inch long, and they're made of a "soft plastic" type material. Picture an arrow shape, it gets wider/thicker as it gets longer(That's the part that goes into your ear), and then has an "end" that you hold to insert it -it has a "filter" in it that stabilizes the pressure on your eardrum.

It would be impossible for it to get stuck in your ear. The end sticks out of your ear (which is why I find them uncomfortable with headphones ) to easily pull them out.

Hope this helps! Our kids don't like them, I think because of the "muffling", but I've seen lots of other little ones on planes using them

Good luck!!