INFO
EarPlanes™ are designed to eliminate the "ear block" discomfort that many people suffer when flying -- particularly those with sensitive ears and those who must fly when suffering from a cold, allergy or sinus congestion. Safe, soft and comfortable ... "Don't take off without them"
EarPlanes are a patented pressure-regulating earplug inserted in the ear to help reduce discomfort often associated with air travel. They have been tested by U.S. Navy aviators at the Miramar Navel Air Station in San Diego. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated EarPlanes as a "Class 1 Medical Device" so they may be purchased "over the counter" without a prescription.
EarPlanes consist of two elements: a hypoallergenic silicone ear plug and a ceramic pressure regulator. The silicone earplug has four circumferential rings which provide an airtight seal between the product and ear canal. The ceramic element is a controlled-porosity filter, one end of which is exposed to the external cabin pressure, with the opposite end exposed to the sealed chamber formed when the ear plug is inserted in the ear. Thus, as the cabin air pressure changes, a pressure differential is created across the ceramic filter, thereby causing air to flow through the filter. The filter acts as an impedance to the flow of air into and out of the ear canal.
Discomfort is caused by blockage and/or swelling of the Eustachian tubes. The air pressure changes induced by the aircraft's decent are too rapid for the blocked Eustachian tubes to adjust properly. However, EarPlanes, provide an equal but opposite impedance on the exterior of the middle ear, allowing relief. Discomfort is reduced because the air pressure difference on the exterior and interior of the middle ear is lessened allowing the Eustachian tubes to function more normally.
EarPlanes are meant to be used for one or a few trips, then discarded. During operation, air flows through the microscopic pores of the ceramic filter. Particles of smoke, pollen and airborne bacteria are small enough to eventually "clog" the filter and reduce effectiveness. (The useful life can be extended by wearing EarPlanes only during the descent phase of each flight.)
EarPlanes also function as excellent noise-suppression ear plugs. Many users report that EarPlanes seem to filter out much of the objectionable noise generated by aircraft engines, while conversation, warning horns and cabin P.A. announcements may still be heard (and headsets worn) by users.
Although originally designed for airline passengers, EarPlanes are even more valuable for passengers and pilots of nonpressurized general aviation aircraft. We've tested them in "slam-dunk" 3,000-FPM descents and found them remarkably effective in reducing the discomfort of ear blocks. For young children who have difficulty clearing their ears during descent, they're worth their weight in gold. For pilots, they work fine when used inside passive or ANR headsets (although you'll have to turn up the com volume to compensate for the additional noise attenuation provided by the EarPlanes).
Available in two sizes: child (ages 1-11) and adult (age 12 up).
