flyymom0

I have a 2 daughters, one 12 years old & the other 3 years old. My daughter was researching some things about ear pain, & she came across Earplanes. She says they really work, but I'm skeptical. My husband, kids, & I are on a round-trip from LAX to Incheon, then from there to Ninoy Aquino Airport.
4 Questions,
- How do they work?
- Are there any special ways to make them work?
- Can you use them on a 14 hour flight?
- My topic question
Thanks!

BoyAreMyArmsTired

Welcome to FT, Flyymom!

I am not familiar with this product, but I'm sure you will get some good information from our forum regulars.

Happy travels!

BAMAT, Co-Moderator
Travel with Children

schwarm

- How do they work?

For people with good eustacian tubes, the middle ear pressure adjusts to the outside automatically. For people with clogged eustacian tubes, the pressure adjustment in the middle ear doesn't happen right away.

The earplanes form a seal in the external ear canal. There is a hole in the middle of the plastic part that is filled with some sort of semi-permeable rock-like material. So, the earplane acts similar to a clogged eustacian tube, but on the outside of the eardrum. There is a small pocket of air on the inside of the earplane but on the outside of the eardrum that slowly adjusts to pressure changes, much as the middle ear (inside of the eardrum) does in someone with a partially-clogged eustacian tube.

- Are there any special ways to make them work?

Have to have a really good seal in the ear canal. After they get earwax on them, they don't form a good seal. So, only good for about 2 uses.

- Can you use them on a 14 hour flight?

Only use them during ascent and descent (and for a short period thereafter; e.g., wait until the aircraft doors are opened at the end of the flight).

- Do Earplanes really work?

Yes, I think. But they're a bit finicky; certainly not perfect. I don't think they work if the eustacian tube is totally clogged, only if partially clogged (which is usually the case in most people with just some allergies or the like).

TIMP

They worked for me. I had the ear infection from hades an a non refundable ticket. Especially coming into land in London they helped the pressure. My only complaint is you HAVE to put them in about an hour before decent or they dont work AS well.

toadman

I used them a few times but didn't really notice any appreciable benefits. You can clean them, however as they are a soft plastic and not foam. I went back to just plain old earplugs and just make sure and get a good seal in the ear before they close the door.

tlc

They work for me. I have to use the children's size cause of the size of my ears. I've only used them when I have sinus issues but I carry them all the time in with my medicines.

caseaustin

These sound great! Where can you get them?

TIMP

I buy mine from the local discount pharmacy.

nemloc

My wife won't fly without them and as long as you keep them clean, you can use them for 2-3 round trips without an issue. Someone already mentioned that you really want to put them in before takeoff and an hour before landing as the pressure starts to build before you feel the plane descending. Another thing is that in order to get the good seal you really have to get them into the ear. The trick is to tug on the ear with one hand and insert with the other.

bcsymmes

I just found this thread - wondering if anyone has any input on using these with a toddler? the last flight we took with our 20m old was horrible, and i want to do everything i can to help prevent her from going thru this again. I plan on bringing lots of small food, a few different drinking options.

I was thinking this might be a good option. would like feedback on those that have used it on small kids

6rugrats

I've never used them, but they do make a size for children. I'd give it a try.

I used to find bringing a small bag with lots of new, distracting toys helped with my kids when they were younger.

alexcturner

Hello!
I have one child (6) that has trouble with her ears. When she still took a bottle that helped alot. Once she was a older toddler we tried the earplanes and they did not work for us. However, it could be because she did not like them and they were most likely not put in correctly. Now we have to take Benydryl and that seems to work well. This was recommended by our ear, nose and throat specialist.
Lisa

formeraa

Until I was in my mid-20's, I had real trouble with my ears due to constant allergies and post-nasal drip. I used to take an antihistamine an hour before the flight and chew gum religiously during take-off and landing. That worked for me.

bcsymmes

I appreciate all the feedback - unfortunalty Benadryl makes my darling 18m old daughter (will be 21 months when we travel) into a nut bar, which would not be a good thing on a plane, and given that she is so young, the chewing on gum is not helpful.

She is also not been using bottles for since 10 months, and truly, she can't drink for the entire descent. I am looking for alternatives that will help a toddler who does not take a soother/bottle/chew gum or take meds.

Maybe i will buy the earplanes ahead of time and just see if i can get her to wear them around the house, to get use to them.