Earplanes...do they work?

[mommymeg]

My hubby is very sensitive to pressure changes and always has an awful time when we fly...He complains of extreme pain while taking off, and even more so on descent (sp?)... I've suggested the normal stuff...hold nose and blow or swallow to try to equalize pressure...I also make sure I bring chewing gum and such, but nothing seems to help...
I've heard about Earplanes, I think they're sold at most stores, but my question is, do they really help? I don't want to waste my money on something that will be of no use.
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated... also any other tips on how to minimize ear discomfort for my husband and children.
I myself never have a problem...but my husband has a history of ear problems..
Thanks!

 

[kristenrice]

I used them for the first time when I had a sinus infection. I was taking decongestants and pain relievers for my headaches. I am pretty sure that they helped because I was expecting killer pain on ascent and descent and there was nothing at all. I didn't notice any pressure changes at all. I used them again on a flight about 10 months later. They worked great on the way to Orlando, but not so well on the flight home. I think they didn't work so well on the return because I didn't get them in soon enough before our descent. You really have to make sure that they are in before you start the descent, otherwise, they don't work. They are also supposed to only be used for one flight. They are not intended to be stored and reused several months later like I did. Also, I think that taking a decongestant (phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine) about an hour before take-off is also supposed to help.

The children's version worked great for my DD's. They didn't have any problems at all. I am planning on using them again (properly!) on our trip in June.

 

[keishashadow]

i consider them a God-send

before i discovered them would have ears clogged for 2 days, so nice to be able to hear when i land

 

[sdorg]

My husband has problems with his ears and it really bothers him during descents on airplanes. The Earplanes worked WONDERFULLY for him last time we flew. I would very much recommend them!

 

[luvwdwfla2]

They work awesome. The first time I flew I was 16 and was in such pain, I was practically crying. My mom kept telling me the usual chew/ swallow nothing worked. My ears hurt for a few days then felt better just in time to get on plane to come home. Next trip a few yrs later found earplanes and they are fantastic. Slightly annoying bc you feel like you have a little hearing loss but well worth it to avoid the pain. Won't fly without them.
DS was 4 when we went on hsi first flight and he was uncomfortable on the way down but I made sure they were in good on way home and he had no problem. GIVE THEM A TRY!!

 

[akersten]

DH has problems with his ears and swears by them. They defiitely help, he also takes Sudafed 12 hour (the one sold in the pharmacy) an hour or so before the flight (just make sure your DH has no high blood pressure or other health conditions).

 

[Twitterpated Dad]

My physician doesn't like nose sprays, except when flying. I use the 12 hour afrin pump. It really helps.

 

[Yzerbear19]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE earplanes!!! The first time I flew I had such problems with my ears after we landed. The chewing gum/swallowing thing didn't work. I read about Earplanes here on the DIS before our 2007 WDW trip and won't fly without them. I know the box says you can take them out once you reach max cruising altitude, but I normally leave them in since they also help reduce the noise, which is a nice bonus!

I noticed the Walmart near us lowered their price on them to under $4. You can find them in the aisle by the contact lense cleaners.

 

[neonurse]

My ds9 has had problems with his ears since he was little. He loves his earplanes and said that they help alot!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

My ENT recommended a decongestant and said to also take it the day before flying. I've never used earplanes cuz I like to watch movies or listed to my iPod but my pain was never excruiciating. I was noticing that I was getting sinus infections following trips and it seems to have stopped since taking Sudafed. I get the real stuff that you have to ask the pharmacist for.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Ear planes work so well for me - my swollen sinuses cause my Eustachian tube to close up easily and these worked wonders for me a few times. I have not felt the pressure in taking off or landing.

 

[KevGuy]

Ear Planes work excellent for me, I swear by them now for every flight.

 

[mom2mikel]

Earplanes work well for my kids. My DD, especially, has trouble with pressure if she does not use them.

 

[bumbershoot]

My 4 year old really likes them.

Just follow the instructions and get them in when you need them in (hint: that's not AS you are descending).