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Reasons to Wear Earplugs on an Airplane

Do you need earplugs for airplanes? Earplugs not only block out the noise of others but can also help alleviate pain from flight pressure changes. Learn more!

While it might not affect everyone, experiencing ear pain during the final approach of your flight is extremely common.

As an aircraft climbs, pressure decreases significantly, causing air to escape from your ears. On the flip side, when it descends, the pressure increases. To compensate, your ears have to suck in air. This could result in your eardrum being pushed inwards, causing significant pain. Lucky for you, there are ways to prevent it. At Soundwave Hearing Care, you can find an audiologist at our hearing clinic in Calgary to help with all your hearing needs. Let us show you how earplugs can help you with your in-flight ear pain.

What causes ear pain?

While rising and falling air pressure is the catalyst for your in-flight ear pain, there are outside factors that could be the root cause of your suffering. Having a cold or hay fever could be a major contributor to your pain. When you’re sick, the mucous membranes in your ears become swollen, which impedes airflow in and out of your ear. Luckily, there are solutions.

What are airplane earplugs?

Airplane earplugs are specially designed earplugs you can use on long flights where changes in air pressure might be an issue. They reduce pressure buildup in your ears and can ease your pain as the pilot takes the plane in for a landing. If you plan on travelling off for a sunny vacation this summer and suffer from ear pain on long flights, your hearing solutions experts in Calgary recommend you use airplane earplugs.

What sets them apart?

Airplane earplugs come in various shapes, sizes and materials. Some brands are made from a specially designed thermoplastic substance that heats up and forms to the shape of your auditory duct. Many earplugs are meant to be used a single time, but certain brands develop their product specifically to be washed and reused many times over. You can buy airplane earplugs at any drugstore, or from your Calgary hearing aid and audiology expert.

Who needs to use them?

While there is no scientific proof that earplugs actually help with in-flight ear pain, anyone who feels like they are a benefit should continue to use them to relieve their pain. Some other effective methods of reducing pressure include swallowing, yawning, blowing your nose, and chewing gum.

Remember, when it comes to comfort, go with what works. If you’re travelling this summer, remember to pick up a set of earplugs for your flight. If nothing else, it will make a much quieter and more peaceful atmosphere that you can enjoy for hours. To schedule an appointment with an audiologist in Calgary, contact us here. Visit our website for more information regarding our products and services.

All the blogs are reviewed and edited by our clinic's lead audiologist, Dr. Anne Wooliams. Dr. Woolliams is an experienced audiologist specialized in pediatric audiology, auditory processing, and tinnitus/sound sensitivity therapy. She is dedicated to providing top-notch hearing care and helping her clients improve their language and communication abilities. Dr. Woolliams' expertise in literature and linguistics, combined with her passion for helping people improve their language and communication, make her an incredibly valuable asset in the field of audiology. Learn more about Dr. Woolliams.