Earplugs on plane: how to use them effectively and safely

There’s something truly unique about air travel. Soaring through the sky at 36,000 feet, en route to a new destination, watching the world unfold beneath you—flying offers a perspective like no other. At some point in life, most of us will board a plane—whether for business trips, visiting loved ones, or escaping on a well-deserved holiday. Air travel has become an essential part of modern life. But amid the buzz and anticipation of flying, there’s one thing many travellers overlook: ear health.

Your ears might not be top of mind when packing for a trip, but neglecting them can quickly lead to discomfort or even pain mid-flight. The combination of cabin pressure changes and engine noise can take a toll, especially during take-off and landing. That’s where earplugs on a plane come in. Using airplane ear plugs can help protect your ears from the rapid pressure changes and constant noise inside the cabin.

These flight ear plugs are designed to regulate pressure and reduce sound, helping make your journey more comfortable and pain-free. In this article, we’ll explore what causes ear pain and pressure when flying, the best ways to care for your ears mid-flight, and how using earplugs can make all the difference. Let’s begin by understanding what actually causes ear discomfort during air travel.

Ever wondered why do your ears pop in airplanes? If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain or uncomfortable pressure in your ears during take-off or landing, you’re not alone. This common issue is known as airplane ear (or ear barotrauma), and it affects millions of travellers every year. The cause? It all comes down to rapidly changing cabin pressure. When the air pressure around you shifts quickly—as it does during a plane’s ascent or descent—your body doesn’t always have time to adjust. The eustachian tube, a small passage connecting the middle ear to the back of your nose, is responsible for equalising pressure. But if it can’t keep up, your eardrum struggles to vibrate normally. The result: ear pain on a plane. One of the most common symptoms is ears popping on flight—a sign your body is trying to restore balance in pressure. Sometimes that’s all it is: a quick pop and some minor discomfort. But for others, the symptoms can be more intense. Mild symptoms of airplane ear may include:

• A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
• Mild to moderate ear pain
• Muffled sounds or reduced hearing
• Slight hearing loss

In more severe cases, symptoms can escalate to:

• Intense or sharp ear pain on plane
• Significant hearing loss
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness or vertigo
• In rare cases, bleeding from the ear

Understanding how airplane ear works is the first step in preventing it. In the next section, we’ll explore simple tips to reduce discomfort—like using special earplugs, yawning, swallowing, and staying hydrated—to help keep your ears protected throughout your journey.

If you’ve ever experienced discomfort, muffled hearing, or pain while flying, you’re not alone. Changes in cabin pressure—especially during take-off and landing—can lead to a condition known as airplane ear. Fortunately, using the right earplugs for flying pressure can make your journey much more comfortable. In the UK, there are several high-quality earplugs for airplane pressure designed to help regulate pressure changes and reduce noise during flights. These specialised earplugs work by slowing the rate of pressure change that reaches your eardrum, giving your body more time to adjust.

• One of the top choices is Alpine FlyFit, a reusable and comfortable option with acoustic filters that ease pressure and reduce engine noise. They come with a travel case and fit snugly for most users.
• Another popular pick is EarPlanes—specially designed with a ceramic filter to regulate air pressure. Recommended by doctors and even used by pilots, they’re available in both adult and child sizes.
• For travellers looking for a reusable silicone option, Mack’s FlightGuard Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs are also widely praised. They reduce pressure discomfort and are made from soft, hypoallergenic material for extended wear.

When choosing earplugs for flying pressure, it’s important to look for products specifically labelled for aviation use. Standard foam earplugs may help with noise but won’t regulate pressure effectively. Using earplugs for airplane pressure won’t just ease discomfort—it can also help prevent long-term ear issues if you're a frequent flyer. Whether you’re flying short-haul or long-haul, investing in a good pair of flight earplugs can make a real difference.

If you’ve ever flown, you’ll know the uncomfortable sensation: pressure building in your ears during take-off or landing, followed by muffled hearing or even pain. For some, these symptoms can linger for hours—or even days—after landing. That’s where airplane earplugs come in. Specially designed for air travel, pressure-regulating earplugs like those from Alpine offer effective relief from these common discomforts. Here’s how they help:

• ✅ Regulate air pressure: Built-in filters help balance the pressure in your ears, reducing pain and discomfort during ascent and descent.
• ✅ Reduce engine noise: They muffle the constant drone of aircraft engines, helping you relax more easily.
• ✅ Minimise ambient distractions: Whether it’s crying babies or chatty passengers, earplugs cut down on background noise, making your flight more peaceful.
• ✅ Improve sleep quality: Ideal for long-haul journeys, these earplugs help you rest more easily so you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
• ✅ Promote overall comfort: By easing pressure and blocking noise, they support a calmer, more pleasant travel experience.

Whether you're a nervous flyer, a frequent traveller, or just someone who values peace and quiet, airplane earplugs are a simple but powerful tool for better in-flight wellbeing. Bonus tip: Check out our sleep earplugs too—they’re perfect not only for flights, but also for use at home or on holiday when you need uninterrupted rest.

Flying with a perforated eardrum requires special attention, but with proper medical advice and the right precautions, it's possible to travel safely and comfortably.

Getting proper rest during a flight can be a challenge. Between the engine hum, cabin announcements, and noisy passengers, quality sleep often feels out of reach—especially on long-haul journeys. That’s why choosing the right ear protection is essential for travellers who want to sleep soundly in the sky. When it comes to sleeping on a plane, the ideal earplugs need to offer a balance of noise reduction and all-night comfort. Here are some of the top-rated options in 2025:

• Loop Quiet 2 – Best overall for sleep and style Made from ultra-soft silicone and designed to fit snugly in your ear without protruding, Loop Quiet 2 reduces noise by up to 27 dB. They’re perfect for side sleepers, reusable, and sleek enough to wear without discomfort. Whether you're trying to tune out engine noise or loud conversations nearby, these earplugs are a stylish and reliable choice.
• Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs – Best for side-sleeping comfort Mouldable and gentle on the ears, these silicone putty earplugs create a custom seal without putting pressure on the ear canal. Offering noise reduction of around 22 dB, they’re especially good for sensitive ears and travellers who struggle with the discomfort of traditional earplugs.
• Alpine SleepSoft Earplugs – Best for sleep and moderate pressure relief These earplugs combine soft materials with an acoustic filter that reduces background noise while allowing essential sounds—like safety announcements—to pass through. They're ideal for light sleepers and frequent flyers who want to rest without feeling completely cut off.

The best earplugs for flying depend on your specific needs—whether you're trying to relieve pressure, reduce noise, or sleep comfortably on board. Here’s a breakdown of the main types and what they’re best suited for:

Are there airplane earplugs suitable for children? The answer is yes! If you’re flying with infants or toddlers, protecting their ears from cabin pressure changes and engine noise is essential. Here are the best infant airplane ear protection options available in the UK:

• Alpine Muffy Baby ensures gentle protection against engine and cabin noise—perfect for babies sensitive to loud sounds 
• Reer muffs offer a compact and adjustable solution with solid noise attenuation.
• EarPlanes are best for easing ear pressure during ascent and descent and are designed to reduce ear pain and popping.

• Want to protect hearing and reduce noise? → Choose Alpine Muffy Baby or Reer Ear Muffs.
• Struggling with ear pressure pain or popping during descent/climb? → Opt for EarPlanes for Children.
• All three are available in the UK via retailers like Amazon or Boots. Combine them with simple ear-equalising methods like feeding or pacifiers during pressure changes for a smoother flight.
• Want help choosing based on age range, flight duration, or travel habits? Happy to assist! Read more in our article about baby ear defenders.