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Earplugs for flying

Flying without earache

 
  • Against earache when flying

  • Protects the ears from severe pressure changes

  • Scientifically proven effectiveness

Pressure-regulating earplugs for relaxed flying

Earache when flying is a familiar problem for many passengers. Almost every second traveller is familiar with the unpleasant feeling of pressure in the ear, which can occur especially when landing. Some even experience stabbing pains that last for days and disrupt their holiday or important business appointments.

But why does this discomfort occur in the first place?

When flying, take-off and landing processes lead to rapid changes in air pressure in the aircraft cabin. These pressure differences put a strain on the eardrum and natural pressure equalisation via the Eustachian tube is not possible for everyone without problems. For many passengers, simple techniques such as swallowing, yawning or the so-called Valsalva manoeuvre are not sufficient.

The good news: with the pressure-regulating SANOHRA fly earplugs and a few helpful tips, you can enjoy your next flight relaxed and pain-free.

Earplugs for flying: SANOHRA fly

Why does ear pain occur when flying?

The cause lies in the pressure changes in the aircraft cabin:

  • During take-off, the air in the middle ear expands and often escapes easily through the Eustachi tube. This is often perceived as a soft ‘cracking’ sound in the ear.
  • During landing, however, the external air pressure is higher than in the middle ear. The eardrum is pressed inwards, which can cause an unpleasant feeling of pressure or pain.

The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, acts as a pressure equalisation valve. However, if this is narrowed, for example due to colds, allergies or anatomical conditions, pressure equalisation does not function optimally. This is where the SANOHRA fly earplugs come into play.

SANOHRA fly - The solution to earache when flying

SANOHRA fly earplugs have been specially developed to gently support pressure equalisation and prevent earache when flying. These innovative earplugs are suitable for adults and children who are sensitive to pressure differences.

How do SANOHRA fly earplugs work?

  • Insert the earplugs about 45 minutes before landing.
  • The integrated filter ensures that the air pressure in front of the eardrum rises more slowly than in the cabin.
  • This gently regulates the pressure and protects the eardrum from painful strain.

SANOHRA fly - order now and fly relaxed!

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  • PAIN-FREE: The ear often has difficulty coping with strong pressure fluctuations without pain. SANOHRA Fly for adults ensure a comfortable flight by making it easier to equalise pressure
  • APPLICATION: The earplugs should ideally be inserted 45 minutes before landing. For flights of less than 90 minutes, it is recommended to wear the SANOHRA Fly for the entire journey
  • PROVEN: SANOHRA Fly earplugs have been proven to reduce ear pain when flying. Over 90% of participants in an independent study reported a significant reduction in pain
  • MATERIAL: The earplugs for aeroplanes are made of medical grade plastic and are also suitable for allergy sufferers. They are also comfortable to insert and wear
  • REUSABLE: The SANOHRA Fly earplugs can easily be used for up to 6 flights in total. The small box supplied can be used for safe storage

How To Use

Before take off

If you have also experienced ear pressure and ear pain during take-off and climb, we recommend that you wear your hearing protection before take-off and only remove it again approx. 30 minutes after take-off. Only then is the cruising altitude normally reached and the pressure conditions in the cabin no longer change until the start of the descent.

Incidentally, for short-haul flights of less than 1 1/2 hours, we recommend wearing SANOHRA fly earplugs during the entire flight, especially as the hearing protection also has a noise-insulating effect.

Before landing

45 minutes before the planned landing, you should definitely insert the earplugs because the air pressure in the cabin rises again quickly as soon as the aircraft leaves the cruising altitude and begins to descend.

We recommend that you do not remove SANORA fly earplugs until you reach the airport building to give the Eustachian tubes enough time to equalise the pressure.

Scientifically proven effectiveness

In a large-scale study, the Leibniz University of Hanover investigated whether pressure-regulating earplugs enable passengers to land without pain. Over 500 passengers took part in the study, which was supported by Hannover Airport, TUIfly, Airport Apotheke Hannover and Innosan.

The results are impressive: over 90 per cent of participants reported a significant improvement in their discomfort on landing as a result of using the pressure-regulating earplugs. This is good news for all air travellers who suffer from pressure-related ear pain.

In detail, the following findings were summarised:

  • Over 90% of test subjects reported significant relief from discomfort.
  • Around 80 % were completely pain-free.
  • More than 80 % would recommend the earplugs to others.

Charité Berlin study

Charité Study

A study at the Charité ENT Clinic in Berlin has shown that the earplugs significantly reduce ear pain caused by pressure changes in an aircraft cabin. The results were tested under laboratory conditions in a pressure chamber and confirm the high effectiveness of SANOHRA fly (Jumah et al., Pressure regulating ear plug testing in pressure chamber, Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, June 2010).

Advantages of SANOHRA fly earplugs

  • Gentle pressure equalisation: The special filters regulate the pressure in the ear continuously and gently.
  • Easy to use: Simply insert the earplugs before take-off and wear them until after landing.
  • Comfort: Made from soft, medical-grade plastic, the earplugs mould perfectly to the ear canal.
  • Reusable: The earplugs can be used for up to six flights and are easy to clean.

No more earache when flying

With the pressure-regulating SANOHRA fly earplugs, earache and uncomfortable pressure while flying are a thing of the past. Whether for a relaxing family holiday or a stress-free business trip - these earplugs are the ideal solution for a pleasant travel experience.

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SANOHRA fly: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why should earplugs be used when flying?

During descent and landing, the air pressure in the cabin rises. If the pressure equalisation in the middle ear does not react quickly enough, the eardrum is painfully pushed inwards. The earplugs specially developed for flying ensure gentle pressure equalisation and thus prevent the dreaded earache.

How do earplugs work to help equalise pressure during a flight?

The earplugs, which have been specially developed for wearing on aeroplanes, create a small ‘pressure chamber’ in the ear canal between the earplugs and the eardrum. The earplugs use a special filter to ensure a delayed, gentle increase in pressure during descent and landing, giving the tympanic cavity in the middle ear more time to equalise pressure via the Eustachian tube.

Which hearing protection is best for flying? (Overear, In-ear)

To prevent earache when flying, only special earplugs that are worn in-ear are suitable, as they have to seal the ear canal airtight and therefore virtually pressure-tight. Over-ear earplugs or headsets are mainly suitable for active or passive noise reduction and for listening to music or podcasts.

Are there earplugs for flying for children?

Yes, there are special earplugs for children that adapt perfectly to the narrower ear canals and thus ensure the best possible prevention of ear pain in children.

When is the right time to insert them during the flight?

It is important to put the earplugs in about 45 minutes before landing, as the descent begins 15 minutes later at the latest with increasing air pressure in the cabin. We recommend that passengers who suffer more from a lack of pressure equalisation due to a cold, for example, put the earplugs on before take-off and only take them off again some time after landing.

Are there differences between noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs for flying?

Earplugs for flying must ensure a pressure-tight seal between the ear canal behind the earplugs and the eardrum because they have a pressure-regulating effect. Noise-cancelling headphones do not have such a function. They are designed to actively dampen ambient noise using microchips and transmit music or speech as faithfully as possible.

Can I use normal hearing protection when flying?

Normal earplugs can dampen ambient or aircraft noise, but do not have the special ability to regulate pressure in the ear canal. Therefore, only earplugs that are specifically designed for this purpose are suitable for preventing ear pain when flying.

How do I choose the right size and fit?

The soft lamellae of the earplugs normally adapt to the different anatomical conditions of the ear canals. Adults with very narrow ear canals should use earplugs for children to ensure the functionality and comfort of the earplugs. Adults who attach particular importance to wearing comfort can have a customised in-ear earmould with a pressure equalisation filter made by a hearing care professional.

Are earplugs necessary for every passenger or only for certain people?

Passengers for whom pressure equalisation in the middle ear via the Eustachian tube into the throat works without any problems do not need special flight earplugs to prevent unpleasant ear pain. However, the earplugs also dampen the ambient and flight noises, which most people find pleasant.

What other methods are there to help equalise pressure during the flight?

All other methods that support pressure equalisation in the middle ear via the Eustachian tube are ultimately based on strong movements of the lower jaw that are similar to chewing movements. For example, you can support pressure equalisation by swallowing, chewing or yawning. If successful, a slight cracking sound can usually be heard in the throat. You can use the Valsalva method to help equalise the pressure even more. You first take a breath, then hold your nose closed and your mouth shut and try to build up pressure in the throat.

What makes it easier for small children to equalise pressure when flying?

Pressure equalisation is often difficult even for small children. SANOHRA fly earplugs are available in special sizes for children from the age of one. In addition, chewing and swallowing movements, such as drinking from a bottle or breastfeeding, can help to equalise the pressure in the ear.

How does pressure equalisation work?

To avoid earache when flying, you can use the following techniques in addition to SANOHRA fly:

  • Swallowing: drink water or suck on a sweet.
  • Chew: Chewing gum can help open the eustachian tube.
  • Yawning: Frequent yawning can also relieve pressure.
  • Valsalva manoeuvre: Hold your nose, close your mouth and try to breathe out gently.

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