Looking forward to your holiday but dreading that uncomfortable pressure in your ears? Whether you’re travelling for work, heading away for the weekend or taking the children abroad, ear discomfort can take the excitement out of the journey.
Swallowing, yawning and staying awake during take-off and descent can help your ears adjust to changing pressure. Earplugs designed for flying are another option to include in your travel preparations.
At EarHub, our Flywell range includes options for standard and smaller ears, including young children. Here’s how to prepare for your next flight.
Why Do Your Ears Hurt When Flying?
As a plane climbs or descends, cabin air pressure changes. Your ears need to balance the pressure on either side of your eardrums.
Small passages called Eustachian tubes help with this process. When they cannot adjust quickly enough, you may notice a blocked feeling, muffled hearing or discomfort—often called “airplane ear”.
Swallowing and yawning help open these passages so pressure can equalise. Mayo Clinic’s guide to airplane ear explains this process in more detail.
What Can Help Reduce Ear Pain When Flying?
Swallow and Yawn During Take-Off and Descent
These simple actions help your ears adjust as pressure changes. For adults, chewing gum can encourage swallowing.
Stay Awake While the Plane Climbs and Descends
If you’re awake, you can keep swallowing and yawning as needed. Save your nap for the cruising part of the journey where possible.
Choose Earplugs Designed for Flying
Noise reduction and pressure management are different functions. Ordinary foam earplugs may reduce surrounding sound, but you should not assume they help regulate pressure.
Look for a flight-specific product and follow its instructions.
Get Ready Before Boarding
Read the fitting instructions at home and keep your earplugs somewhere accessible from your seat. Follow the timings supplied with your pair, rather than waiting until your ears feel uncomfortable.
Meet Our Flywell Earplugs for Flying
Our Flywell flight earplugs feature a ceramic inner filter designed to help manage pressure changes during air travel, with the aim of reducing associated discomfort.
They also offer:
- Noise reduction to help reduce surrounding cabin sound.
- A reusable design, used according to the care instructions.
- An included travel case to keep your pair together between journeys.
If pressure changes and cabin noise both bother you, Flywell gives you a flight-specific option to add to your hand luggage.
No earplug can guarantee a pain-free flight for everyone. Correct fitting matters, and you should continue swallowing and yawning as your ears adjust.
Shop our Flywell flight earplugs →
Flying With Children or Shopping for Smaller Ears?
Choosing flying earplugs also means choosing a suitable fit.
Alongside our standard option, we offer Flywell for smaller ears and young children. This gives you another size to consider when preparing for a family holiday or choosing earplugs for yourself.
Before buying, check the age suitability and fitting instructions on your chosen product. For children, follow the product’s supervision and usage guidance.
Make checking everyone’s earplugs part of your packing routine, so you have time to read the instructions before departure.
Flying Earplugs vs Regular Earplugs
Not sure which type to pack? Start with what you want help with.
| Your main concern | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Background cabin noise | Suitable noise reduction and comfortable fit |
| Pressure discomfort during take-off or descent | Earplugs specifically designed for flight-pressure changes |
| Both pressure changes and noise | A flight product that addresses both |
| Fit for smaller ears or a child | A suitably sized option with clear age and fitting guidance |
Choosing by purpose and fit is more useful than assuming every travel earplug does the same job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do earplugs help with ear pain when flying?
Filtered flying earplugs are designed to help manage pressure changes that can cause discomfort. Experiences vary, so they should be part of your preparation alongside swallowing and yawning.
When should I put my flying earplugs in?
Follow the exact timings supplied with your product. Read the instructions before travel day so you know what to do during take-off and descent.
Does EarHub offer flying earplugs for smaller ears?
Yes. Our Flywell range includes an option for smaller ears and young children. Check the product’s age suitability and fitting guidance before choosing.
Can ordinary foam earplugs do the same job?
Foam earplugs can reduce noise, but they should not be assumed to provide pressure regulation. Check the stated function of the product you choose.
Can I reuse my Flywell earplugs?
Our standard Flywell flight earplugs are reusable. Follow the care and replacement instructions supplied with your specific pair and check their condition before each use.
Make Room for Your Ears on Your Packing List
Passport, boarding pass, earplugs. A little preparation before departure means one less thing to organise once you’re on board.
Choose the Flywell option suited to the wearer, get familiar with the instructions and keep your pair within reach.
