These $15 Earplugs Relieved My In-flight Ear Pain

I have long dealt with sensitive ears—an issue that was likely made worse by my twenties, where I spent way too much time hanging out in loud clubs, bars, and concert halls. While that time of my life was tons of fun, years later, my tender ears are as battle-worn as my favorite pair of walking shoes.

Of course, the 25-year-old version of myself didn’t know that a few decades later I would build a career as a food and travel writer, spending a few days each month on airplanes—a not-so-ideal environment for those of us with sensitive ears. Pairing that with terrible seasonal allergies, in-flight ear pain has now become a regular struggle for me. Now concerned about the potential long-term ramifications of what this pressure might do for me and my hearing, I set out for a viable solution that would allow me to fly pain-free; I’m happy to report that I’ve found such a solution in a pair of $15 earplugs.  

Alpine FlyFit Earplugs

A year or so ago, I saw Alpine FlyFit Earplugs were on sale at Amazon and decided to try them out for myself on a cross-country flight. My hope was that they would relieve my ear pressure and muffle some of the noise around me during the flight, helping me to stay both comfortable and focused on the things I need to get done—like replying to the several hundred emails that had accumulated in my inbox.

I was immediately impressed by how light and comfy the earplugs felt while wearing them. I expected them to be uncomfortable or heavy, but that wasn’t the case. They were so comfortable, in fact, that I felt a little dubious about how well they would perform. 

They come with a convenient carrying case, an applicator tool, and a detailed list of instructions on how to insert the plug into your ear. Some people like to roll the earplugs between their fingers to make them a bit narrower prior to insertion (but make sure to sanitize your hands first before trying this method). Attach the yellow applicator tool to the corresponding yellow tip on the inside of the earplug. Then, insert the earplug into your ear, turning the yellow applicator tool clockwise in order to make sure it is safely embedded before removing it from the earplug. When you’re doing this, you’ll feel a slight sensation as the earplug slightly expands and seals in place. 

Alpine FlyFit Earplugs

These genius earplugs have internal filters that maintain a pressure balance within your ear canal the whole time you’re wearing them. You can wear them the whole flight—and I often do—but if you don’t want to, just make sure to wear them right before takeoff and descent. It’s during these rapid changes in elevation that air pressure-related ear pain is most likely to occur. Once your plane has touched down or has reached a stable altitude, you can use the removal aid to take them back out. 

I’ve worn my Alpine FlyFit earplugs on several dozen flights by now, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with them. There’s an element of noise cancellation that helps minimize distracting cabin noise on flights. I also love that they’re travel-friendly, easy to use, and reusable, all while protecting me from in-flight ear pain and pressure. These earplugs have been an absolute game-changer for my sensitive ears, and I don’t plan on flying without them any time soon.

Alpine FlyFit Earplugs

Amazon shoppers are similarly blown away by the quality and comfort you get for the price. “My Eustachian tubes have been messed up since I was a kid,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I really thought they wouldn’t work when I first tried them on because they felt very comfortable in my ear. Too comfortable. But, lo and behold, numerous trips later, I’ve had zero ear pain!”

Of course, being a flight attendant who has sensitive ears is no picnic either, but apparently, this particular set of earplugs is a popular choice among flight crew. “I got this because I’m a flight attendant and had ear problem[s] and they work amazingly,” wrote one five-star reviewer, calling them “excellent.” Another shopper shared that their brother-in-law, a pilot, recommended these to them. “I was skeptical at first but gave them a shot,” they wrote. “They are super soft, comfy, easy to use, and they last way longer than Earplanes. I swear I would marry these things if I could.”

There are all sorts of tricks and remedies for in-flight ear discomfort, though, from munching on a piece of chewing gum to using a pressure-equalizing nose spray before boarding—and I’m all about a multi-pronged approach. Scroll for more Amazon flight essentials that can help with ear pain, starting at just $3. 

More Amazon Essentials for Sensitive Ears:

EarPlanes Soft Earplugs 

Eclipse Winterfrost Sugar-free Chewing Gum

NeilMed Eustachi Tube Ear Popper

Mack’s Moldable Silicone Putty Earplugs

Flents Protechs Foam Earplugs

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