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The Best Earplugs for Flying

Candace Osmond

Frequent travelers are well familiar with the hassle of long-haul flights. There is the air pressure to contend with, crying children to bear with (who may also be crying because of the air pressure) and other types of noise disturbances throughout the flight. And if you’re prone to airplane ear, that just adds to all the noisy misery.

To make their flight somewhat more pleasant and enjoyable, seasoned travelers will always travel with a good pair of earplugs to muffle out the clamor and reduce any inner ear discomfort that comes with altitude changes. To make sure that you get a pair that works for you, here are some things you need to consider first.

1. EarPlanes Earplugs – Editor's Choice

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  • Dimensions: 1.2 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 3
The Best Earplugs for Flying

2. Rovazo Reusable Silicone Earplugs

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  • Dimensions: 3 x 2 x1 inches
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 2

3. Mack’s Flightguard Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs

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  • Dimensions:4.4 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches
  • Weight: 0.5 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 1

4. Flents Flite Mate Pressure Reducing Earplugs

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  • Dimensions: 3 x 0.3 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 0.6 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 1

5. Alpine Hearing Protection Pressure Earplugs

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  • Dimensions: 0.9 x 3.3 x 3.9 inches
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 1

6. Eargasm Aviation Earplugs

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  • Dimensions: Not mentioned
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 1

Why do you need earplugs on a flight?

Canceling out noise is an obvious one, but most people will go for earplugs on a flight to minimize the discomfort associated with cabin pressure changes during ascent and descent. The discomfort is typically mild and doesn’t last too long, but for some can be more painful.

To protect your ears, you can try yawning, swallowing, chewing gum, or else get a pair of earplugs to deal with the situation. Also, if you have a cold while flying, your ears will bother you so why not manage the uneasiness with some earplugs?

What are your options?

Earplugs designed for flyers help maintain pressure on both sides of the ear to minimize discomfort. You can choose from a variety of materials and designs to find your perfect fit.

Silicone earplugs are soft and hypoallergenic options that provide equal pressure on both sides of the ears. They come with a filter that resists the flow of air in and out of the ear canal to provide relief and comfort.

Foam disposable earplugs are another soft and comfortable option to consider for air travel. They work by molding to the shape of the inner ear and reduce the surrounding noise level. Since these are very inexpensive, feel free to carry a few with you and dispose after every use.

Wax earplugs are the most moldable types and resolve the issue of the earplug feeling too big or too small to fit comfortably.

Reusable earplugs are for flyers who don’t want to pay to replace their earplugs every time they fly. Typically made from plastic, these earplugs can be used multiple times without concern.

What else to look for?

Comfort is a main consideration when choosing a pair of earplugs to wear for long times. Going back one step, comfort will typically depend on the construction material of the earplugs. Then there are considerations like weight (you don’t want something bulky), design, and size to ensure that you get the most comfortable fit.

Effectiveness balances noise cancellation and airplane ear discomfort equally. Your earplugs will only be effective if they can filter out sufficient decibels to make your surrounding quieter and create the optimal balance between air pressure in your ear and the cabin without affecting the eardrum.

Fit is a given to ensure both comfort and protection for the ears. Once again, look at the materials used for earplug construction opting for softer and more flexible options. More pliable options will conform better to your ear and block out loud sounds.

Value for your purchase can come from the brand you buy. Some brands specialize in making earplugs for flying specifically and meet all the criteria of comfort, effectiveness, fit and value. They will also offer products made especially for children and adults because size and fit will vary.

User-friendly implies ease of use for the user. Make sure that the product you get is easy to use where inserting and removing the pieces should be pain-free and not cause any ear damage.

Durability should never be compromised especially if you opt for a reusable pair of earplugs. Good brands will make sure that their product is able to withstand multiple uses. Durable earpieces should not only be suitable for repeated use but also be easy to clean and maintain as well.

How to use air pressure regulating earplugs?

Specialized earplugs should be inserted before takeoff and landing to lessen any discomforting symptoms of air pressure changes.

  • Insert the earplugs an hour before takeoff and remove once the plane reaches cruising altitude. Replace back in an hour before landing.
  • Pinch nose closed with fingers, attempting to blow nose gently to clear ears.
  • Holding one earplug in the right hand, hold the top of your right ear with your left hand and pull upward.
  • Place earplug in with the ribbed end going inward and gently twisting like a screw until it fits securely.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Best Earplugs for Flying 

1. EarPlanes Earplugs – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 1.2 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 3

Pros

  • Easy usability
  • Comfortable wear
  • Durable and disposable
  • Tested by professionals

Cons

  • Can get dirty easily

EarPlanes is a name to contend with when it comes to buying the best earplugs for flying. In fact, the name itself tells you everything; it’s a product designed for air travelers in mind.
Backed by 25 years of service and tested by U.S. Navy pilots, these EarPlanes earplugs are the original pressure filtering earplug you can get. Every piece has a ceramic filter that slows down the shift of air pressure entering your ear during landing and take-off. As a result, you experience a more gradual shift in air pressure which exerts less stress on the ears. This helps reduce your overall ear discomfort.

Made with soft hypoallergenic silicone, these earplugs provide a comfortable and snug fit, reducing cabin noise by a fair 20 decibels. With this purchase, you get a value pack of 3, but the same is also available in packs of 1, 5 and 10.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the design has grooves which can allow bacteria to grow, so manufacturers don’t recommend using the same pair more than twice.

Who should buy this?

Anyone with airplane ear will notice the difference when wearing these earbuds. Just be careful to get the correct size as the regular adult may be slightly larger for smaller ears. Instead, opt for the pediatric size. These are considered some of the best earplugs for airplane noise.

Read Our Full Review

2. Runner Up: Rovazo Reusable Silicone Earplugs

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 3 x 2 x1 inches
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 2

Pros

  • Comfortable design
  • BPA free silicone
  • Reusable and washable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Comes with carrying case

Cons

  • Only one size available

This 2-pack earplug set from Rovazo is a multipurpose one that is suitable for all kinds of settings including air travel, concerts, and swimming.

Constructed out of soft silicone and designed to fit the ear optimally, these earplugs will offer premium protection when worn for longer periods. Made from BPA free and hypoallergenic materials, these earplugs will keep your ears safe without any irritation or discomfort.

Not only will you experience less ear discomfort due to altitude changes but will also muffle out unwanted sounds around you. The set is designed to provide a noise reduction rating of NRR 32.

Plus, they come with the added bonus of a travel case and pouch for easy storage. Lightweight and inconspicuous, you can’t go wrong with this Budget Pick on our list.

Who should get it?

Travelers looking for a maximum of comfort and quality without spending too much can opt for this Rovazo pair. With two pairs on hand, you can travel with ease every time.

3. Best Reusable: Mack’s Flightguard Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs

Highlights

  • Dimensions:4.4 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches
  • Weight: 0.5 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 1

Pros

  • Doctor recommended brand
  • High noise reduction
  • Maximum ear comfort
  • Flight tested and approved
  • Comes with storage case

Cons

  • Size may not be suitable for smaller ears

Designed with AERO FILTER technology, this ultra-comfortable and functional earplug for flying will keep your ears protected throughout your travels.

As far as design elements are concerned, this earplug uses ultra-soft silicone flanges which provide a firm yet comfortable grip when worn. And its open-flow filter system guarantees maximum comfort and performance. The easy-grip stem is convenient for inserting and removing this earpiece without any hassle.

Along with minimizing ear discomfort, the Mack’s Flightguard earplugs will also provide in-flight noise relief and an NRR of 26 decibels. You can rest assured that this purchase is lab and flight-tested and approved by frequent flyers like yourself.

A storage case comes with your purchase to keep it safe and on hand at all times.

4. Best Fitting: Flents Flite Mate Pressure Reducing Earplugs

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 3 x 0.3 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 0.6 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 1

Pros

  • Soft silicone construction
  • User-friendly
  • Excellent value
  • Storage container included

Cons

  • May not be very long-lasting

Another brand that caters to travelers traveling at high altitudes, Flents delivers as it promises. Flite Mate earplugs are specially designed to provide relief from airplane ear by equalizing air pressure. And you will also note their noise cancellation performance.

Many travelers have compared them with other better-known brands, ranking these out as more comfortable than the competition. The soft-grade silicone construction provides a superior fit without hurting the ears and the design helps keeps the earplugs in place.

Flite Mate earplugs offer a fair bit of noise reduction at an NRR of 22, while not quite shutting out all sound, but just enough to let you fall asleep comfortably.

Like other products featured here, Flents Flight Mate earplugs also come with their own storage case for safekeeping and hygiene.

Who should use these?

Travelers who don’t want to fidget and fight their earplugs can give these Flite Mate earplugs a try. Manufacturers and travelers alike rate these a pair of good, comfortable fitting earplugs that will make your flight much more enjoyable, making these some of the best earplugs for airplane pressure.

5. Best for Sensitive Ears: Alpine Hearing Protection Pressure Regulating Reusable Earplugs

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 0.9 x 3.3 x 3.9 inches
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 1

Pros

  • Accessories included
  • Comes with its own cleaner
  • Special thermoplastic construction
  • Ideal for sensitive ears
  • 100x reusable

Cons

  • Not sized for smaller ears

Aptly called FlyFit earplugs, this pair of pressure regulating earplugs will give you the relief you need when traveling by air. Using sustainable hypoallergenic materials, Alpine delivers earplugs that provide an outstandingly comfortable fit.

You also get noise reduction to 17 decibels which is sufficient to filter all ambient noise but still lets you hear speech clearly. The award-winning design is CE-certified and lets you do what you want without risking ear damage.

The company’s selling point is their no-silicone construction but the use of a special thermoplastic material instead. This lets the earplug mold perfectly to any ear shape giving it a secure fit and stay. It also makes this earplug suitable for even the most sensitive of ears or anyone with allergy issues.

This is a great deal value package for it comes with two universal thermoplastic hearing protectors, carry case, two acoustic soft filters, earplug cleaner, and an insertion sleeve.

Clearly the manufacturers at Alpine have thought of everything!

Who should buy this?

Anyone with any concerns for silicone allergies or with highly sensitive ears should definitely consider this product. Manufacturers promise a hassle and allergen-free product that will give you great value for your money.

6. Best for Frequent Travelers: Eargasm Aviation Earplugs

Highlights

  • Dimensions: Not mentioned
  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Size: Pack of 1

Pros

  • Ideal for frequent travelers
  • Excellent ear protection
  • Sufficient noise dampening
  • Suitable for multiple uses
  • Comes with carry case

Cons

  • High price tag

If you are a frequent flyer and need to protect your ears while on board, then take a look at these Eargasm earplugs that fit the bill for both pressure regulation and noise reduction.

First off, these earplugs will instantly reduce any ear pain from altitude changes with their effective design mechanism. There is an embedded membrane that cuts down the pressure during take-off and landing. Then, they will muffle unwanted noise by up to 20 decibels.

These earplugs are reusable over and over again, so make for an ideal companion to frequent travelers. You can get these in standard and small sizes to choose the right fit for your ears.

Manufacturers have used non-toxic, hypoallergenic soft silicone in the construction to make prolonged wearing more comfortable. They pair it up with an attractive storage case that can easily go on your keychain.

For additional hygiene, the case comes with an anti-stick interior so that your earplugs never get stuck inside but can be easily removed. Plus, the waterproof rubber seal will offer maximum protection from dust, debris and moisture.

Who should use this?

Since these are highly reusable earplugs, people who travel often and take long flights will find great value in this purchase. They get good ear protection and noise numbing features with a single purchase.

Conclusion

The foremost consideration for earplugs suitable for flying is their pressure regulation capacity. Everything that we have recommended today meets this criterion first and then goes onto give you additional perks.

But if you’re looking for something that will also block out noise, we have these options listed as well. Travelers on long flights or those traveling at night-time will value noise cancellation so feel free to take your pick from our recommended products.

All in all, there is a set of earplugs for everyone to make their flight as pain-free and as pleasant as possible. If you found what you were looking for, then don’t be shy and gives us a thumbs up. Also, do pass it on to others who have ear trouble when traveling so they can also make their traveling experiences more comfortable.