Ear Plugs

[Alex2kMommy]

I've heard that some of the attractions are pretty loud, and that the sound scares some small children more than anything else. There were suggestions to get ear plugs for the kids (and maybe ourselves!), but I've never used them before.

What kind works best for kids? I haven't seen small kid-sized ones before, so do regular (adult) ones fit? Some look like they either won't fit, or wouldn't stay in. We've got kids age 5 and almost 2. Thanks!

 

[being-dragged-to-DL]

even when they do fit... how the heck do you make them leave them alone?
Ive seen people make their kids wear great big ear muff types, but my kids would have a fit! I have tried those squishy spongy orange ones. They work for kids, but, again... they have to leave them alone or they fall out.

 

[sierranevada]

My son does not like loud noises and I got Mack's Pillow Soft Earplugs for kids:

http://www.drugstore.com/products/p...96&trxp3=1&trxp4=49&btrx=BUY-GFI-0-EVGR-49973

I bought at drugstore.com - you could probably find it at your local drugstore. When we had a group of 5 kids last Nov, all of them ask for the earplugs when we got on Tower of Terror!

I like these because they do not go into the ear canal and work real well.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Sierranevada: Oooh, thanks for the drugstore link - Perfect!

Being-Dragged: I think if I tried to put the plugs in before the sound bothered him, he would probably just fight putting them in, or take them right out. If he's complaining about the sound and then hears the change after they're in, he's more likely to leave them alone. (DS5 is old enough to reason with; DS1...not so much!)

Both my boys love wearing the hunter-type earmuff kind. My dad has them, and they love to wander around the house with these big heavy orange things on their head. I'm not sure if it's the muffled sound, the heaviness, or all the attention that's so appealing. (I don't know why, but they look so darn cute in them!) But I don't want to have to pack 2 pair of those!

 

[pxlbarrel]

I know that even I would like to use ear plugs at some attractions...especially some in Florida (specifically...Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom). I ended up using tissue stuffed in my ears to help. I'm not scared of sound but I'm very conscious of the fact that the last time I rode some of these loud rides my ears were ringing afterwards. I can't think this is very healthy for anybody's ears....but especially for kids.

I think ear plugs for the kids is a great idea. At least it'll prevent hearing loss (well, until they get their first iPod! )

Sorry though...no ideas on how to keep them in their ears. Maybe you can practice before you leave....make a game of it so when they get to the park, they're used to it? Or bribery...keep these in your ears for the next 5 minutes and you'll get a Mickey ears ice cream.

 

[sierranevada]

We never had a problem with the Mack's earplugs staying in. The biggest problem you might have is teaching the kids to squish them in down in the ear - it takes a little force. I also have them for travel. Once they are in, they form a strong seal and do a great job a blocking sound - much better than the foamy ones that you have to put in your ear canal. I have a problem with the foamy ones not staying in.

 

[albianne]

You could also just bring a few cotton balls in a little ziplock bag, that way you can carry them in your pocket and you won't even know they are there until you need them. I have really sensitive ears and found many of the soundtracks really loud to the point of being a bit uncomfortable so I can imagine how loud it must seem to sensitive little ears. The one good thing about cotton balls is you can tear off just the right amount to fill the outside hole, it doesn't need to go way down in the canal to stay put and you don't have that full sensation in your ear canal that can also be uncomfortable.