Ear pressure relief when flying?

[puffkin]

I always have problems with my ears popping when we fly. Two Junes ago, I spent my whole first day with closed up ears. Everything sounded like it was in a tunnel. This past June, I chewed gum ferociously on take off and landing. It helped, but I still had some pressure problems. I remember reading some time ago about some kind of ear plug that helps to alleviate the pressure problems. If anyone has any information, could you please pass it along and where I can get them. Thanks in advance!

 

[FunkyRooster]

"Earplanes" are terrific! You can purchase them at places like Genovese/Eckard, Walgreens, etc. They come sized for adults or children.

 

[TLinden16]

I agree with FunkyRooster--EarPlanes are fantastic. I started using them a couple of years ago, and now I won't fly without them. They definitely take the pressure off when you fly. My ears never pop when I'm wearing them. I had packed them for a recent flight, and couldn't find them in my bag on the way down. My ears were clogged and painful the next day. Never again will I fly without EarPlanes.

Karen

 

[PaulaJ]

Puffkin, I always have this problem too. I have used earplanes successfully, but here's another interesting solution...kind of a backup. I've also done this successfully, as someone here years ago swore it was the #1 solution. Get two facecloths dampened with warm water from attendant and put them in 2 paper cups. place one over each ear during takeoff pressure. If it doesn't work, at least you've entertained your travelling neighbors!

 

[becka]

We have used the Earplanes in the past and they really helped. I did still have some "ear congestion" but at least I was able to hear....usually I spend the first half of our trip partially deaf.

Anyway, this will be our first trip with our son and he will be 18 months old. Do they even have earplanes in that size and also if you have used them on kids this young how do you keep them in? I can't imagine DS liking them and I thought that it you removed them it could be a problem.

 

[mazzarafe]

I used them for my 4 year old last trip and I found them to not be so hot. Maybe it was me being nurvous about putting them in her ears but they wouldn't stay in. The trip home I just gave her gum.

I decided to try them last time because her first trip when she was 3 the first night she was crying in her sleep. It was so sad. She even woke up hysterical crying and I think it may have actually helped her unclog her ears, but it was not too much fun trying to calm her down. We did have an early flight and she was falling asleep on the plane before we even took off so I couldn't even get her to chew the gum I gave her. She was done with it before we even taxied to take off.

I'm not sure what the age frame on it is for children but if they would fit your son I would bring something chewy for him to eat like fruit snacks just in case they don't stay in his ears. Even though I had to fight with them for my daughter I do believe they helped because she didn't have any trouble with her ears last time. Not sure if I'm gonna try them again next time though, might just stick to gum.

 

[beattyfamily]

I bought those earplanes plugs based on recomendations here for my DD who was 4 or 5 at the time. Didn't work. They would not stay in her ears no matter what.

We've tried gum, chewy candy and drinking and nothing works. I'm not sure what to do for her anymore...

Luckily it doesn't seem to bother my younger DD.

 

[Lewisc]

Taking sudafed about an hour before take off and landing will reduce fluids and help a bit.

 

[disneydreamer1970]

Our pediatrician recommended that we give our DS (11) sudafed 1 hour before the flight and that we give our DS (2) dimetapp 1 hour previous. This worked just fine, infact, the 2 year old slept through most of the flight . My DH and our DS have had some problems during previous flights, the both took the sudafed and were happy flyers!!

The boys will be taking sudafed before our next flight!!!

 

[honeymo78]

Looks like Disneydreamer beat me to it but I was going to suggest giving your Pediatrician a call and seeing what he/she recommends. That's what my mom did for me, although I wasn't 15 or so until the first time I flew. He recommended a decongestant like Sudafed, etc as well. Of course we forgot it and I couldn't hear right for half a day when we got home.

 

[Ms. WDW]

I have bad allergies and use to really go through the tortures of h*ll when I flew. My Dr. told me that 24 hours prior to flying take Sudefed (or my prescription) and 1 hour befor take off and landing spray with either Afrin (too strong for me) or some sort of nose decongtestant.

I really don't have many problems now, but I'm very curious about the earplanes.

How are you suppose to use them? Keep them in for the entire flight or only on take off and landing???

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by Ms. WDW
I'm very curious about the earplanes.

How are you suppose to use them? Keep them in for the entire flight or only on take off and landing???

From what I remember you are supposed to have them in for the whole flight or they won't work.

 

[Ms. WDW]

beattyfamily - thanks! I'm seriously thinking about them for my trip next month.

 

[Pinnie]

According to the directions on the box, they need only be worn on take off and landings. I don't have a problem on take off, it is the descent that bothers me.


I usually put mine in about an hour before landing.

I SWEAR by them!!!


pin

 

[jultomzach]

Here are the instructions from the back of the box of Children's EarPlanes (1-800-EAR-6151 or earplanes.com):Before inserting, pinch noise and blow to clear your ears. For best results, ALWAYS insert EarPlanes one hour before landing. Remove AFTER landing and when the cabin door is opened. Chronic sufferers may ALSO insert EarPlanes just BEFORE takeoff. EarPlanes may be removed when the airplane reaches MAXIMUM altitude and reinserted one hour BEFORE landing.
Also recommends to not reuse after two flights.
They are a trademark of Cirrus Healthcare Products.

 

[Ms. WDW]

Thanks for the instructions! I too don't get bothered by take off. But oh those landings can be killers for me if the plane decends too quickly!

I'm definately picking some up for the August trip!

 

[soccer mom]

After many ear infections and not so fun trips because of plugged ears that would last for days, doc finally suggested taking adult dose of sudafed AND use Afrin nasal spray. Works like a charm. In fact I can actually hear better for about a day.

 

[AspiringCindy]

I agree with Lewis...use Sudafed. I used to use it in my SCUBA diving days for pressure. It really works well.

 

[travelbug]

I too had horrible trouble with ear pain whenever I took a plane. Earplanes have been an absolute lifesaver, and now I never fly without them. My dr. also suggested that I take Claritin D a day before flying and the day of the flight. That, plus using Neosynephrine spray about 30 min. before takeoff, helps to keep my sinuses open and put less pressure on my ears. Kind of a hassle to remember to do all that, but it's so worth it!