Flight Earplugs

[Ware Bears]

I normally suffer mild discomfort when landing but last time I was in real pain on the way there. Coming back wasn't too bad but I haven't flown since so I don't know if it was just a one-off.

I was looking at the flight earplugs in Boots and wondered whether any of you recommended wearing them?

 

[Boo Boo Too]

If you had a cold/blockage during or around the time of your last flight, it could have been a "one off".

I have very bad ear/pressure problems and always have to wear earplugs when landing (unless I want my ears to burst and my sinuses to explode through the front of my skull - at least that's what it feels like... ). I don't need to wear them when taking off though.

There are two sets of ear plugs which are equally good:
- Earplanes (http://www.travelwithcare.com/browse.asp?catID=694&prodID=HC200) - sold at Boots
- or Boots own brand "Earplanes" (http://www.boots.com/shop/product_details.jsp?productid=1049837&classificationid=1036102)

Personally I would go for Boots own brand - they are just as good, a little bit cheaper (sometimes they do "3 for 2" deals on them too) and they come with a little plastic case.

There are cheaper ones out there, but the cheaper ones don't tend to be affective for me.

Make sure that the ear plugs are in at least an hour before landing (if it is a short flight - up to about 1.5 hours - then I put them in before take-off and keep them in for the duration). Don't use them more than a couple of times and I always wash and thoroughly dry mine between using them.

Boo

 

[wifey]

My OH tried these at home for the last 3 weeks (postman needs his sleep) and finds them very comfortable but they do lose their effectiveness quicker than the Earfit ones, that said I think there are 3 pair in a pack for £1.99 so just get 2 packs and they will be fine.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

My OH tried these at home for the last 3 weeks (postman needs his sleep) and finds them very comfortable but they do lose their effectiveness quicker than the Earfit ones, that said I think there are 3 pair in a pack for £1.99 so just get 2 packs and they will be fine.

He didn't use them for flying?

If not, using earplugs for "sound reduction" is quite different from using them for keeping a pressure seal.

Boo

 

[jtlover]

I had really bad ears one time when I had a cold so I always make sure to top up my vitamins prior to the flight as it was so painful.

I use the wax plugs which you mould into your ears - I find it is when you go down east coast of america that it starts to hurt.

 

[ribena]

Hi

I get really bad pain in my ears but only landing not taking off. I too use Earplanes or Boots own version they are both just as effective. I find they work well. My doctor also recommended Vicks sinus spray from the chemist to take 24 hours before and an hour before flying. So I do this and also make sure I am chewing sweets. Although they help it doesn't stop the problem for me.

 

[DisneyJo]

I really suffer with my ears and used to be in tons of pain and once was left deaf for a whole day! I now use a nasal spray called Otravine it was actually recommended for my Nanny by her doctor. You can buy it at Boots and spray as soon as you board and then again half an hour before landing and for me it has been amazing. No more pain at all. : I tried the ear plugs but they didn't work for me.

 

[BRobson]

The boots earplugs work for my DD. She really suffered with her ears but when she uses the earplugs she had no problems.

 

[MorningGlory]

I really suffer with my ears and used to be in tons of pain and once was left deaf for a whole day! I now use a nasal spray called Otravine it was actually recommended for my Nanny by her doctor. You can buy it at Boots and spray as soon as you board and then again half an hour before landing and for me it has been amazing. No more pain at all. : I tried the ear plugs but they didn't work for me.

Need to remember all these great tips. I suffer badly when landing as well (like everyone else who suffers it seems, taking off is painfree).

Didnt know you could get earplanes over the counter in Boots. That and the Otravine (thanks DisneyJo ) should hopefully stop it being so bad.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Didnt know you could get earplanes over the counter in Boots.

They are on a shelf somewhere near the medicines and wrist supports and things like that - if in doubt, ask.

You can also buy earplanes at some Sainsburys - mine stocks them (near the solutions for swimmers ear etc).

Boo

 

[Ware Bears]

Thank you very much for your replies.

I think I will get some!

 

[juttawdw]

My husband also use otalgan that are eardrups and works very good.

 

[wifey]

We both use these ear plugs when we fly and suck boiled sweets or use chewing gum to help releive the pressure in the eardrums. I have taken an aspirin or a sudafed before we've flown too to help keep my ears comfortable, I once had a really nasty ear infection which led to a perforated eardrum which was extremely unpleasant.

 

[chipndalefan]

i suffer from ear discomfort too, and it seams to get worse each time i travel! i have found that earplanes and sinex help, though they don't rid me of discomfort completely. tesco extra stores stock earplanes. don't bother with regular earplugs, they had no effect for me whatsoever. hope this helps

 

[Boo Boo Too]

i suffer from ear discomfort too, and it seams to get worse each time i travel! i have found that earplanes and sinex help, though they don't rid me of discomfort completely.

How long do you put them in before landing?

Boo

 

[chipndalefan]

on the box it suggests you insert the earplane 1 hour before landing. i find however that i start to get pain when we start to fly down the american coast. now i put them in as soon as i spot the coast.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

on the box it suggests you insert the earplane 1 hour before landing. i find however that i start to get pain when we start to fly down the american coast. now i put them in as soon as i spot the coast.

Wow that is sensitive

You could try having them in for the whole flight, but that is a lot of hours to have them in (they are not THAT comfortable) and makes hearing the flight crew more difficult...

Nasty

Boo

 

[zara]

Hi. I always use earplanes and keep them in when I want to doze for a while. They seem to keep the engine noise out. I wouldn't fly without them.

 

[lagunn]

I always used airplanes but i found something even better than these.
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/flitnrr14.html
used them in September they are brilliant...