For one year I had been battling extreme sinus drainage and ear problems and knew I was in trouble with several travel writing related trips looming in the future.

I had been to three doctors, two of them specialist in sinus/allergy/ and ear related problems.  I had not had one day of relief and spent a “ton” of money and undergone numerous treatments, including eardrum puncturing and drainage of the inner ear.  The doctors told me not to be flying, I could burst my eardrum.

Frantically I began to search for answers.   When asking the “specialist” about ear protection, they all agreed there was none.  Searching the Internet I came upon some sites that recommended   I read information such as: (Go to the site for full article.)

"The Eustachian tube is a membrane lined tube that connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Its primary function is to ventilate the middle ear, ensuring that the pressure inside the ear remains at near normal ambient air pressure. The secondary function of the Eustachian tube is to drain any accumulated secretions, infection, or debris from the middle ear space. Several small muscles located in the back of the throat and palate control the opening and closing of the tube. Swallowing and yawning cause contraction of these muscles, and help to regulate Eustachian tube function. If it were not for the Eustachian tube, the middle ear cavity would be an isolated air pocket inside the head that would be vulnerable to every change in air pressure and lead to an unhealthy ear.

Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed which helps prevent the inadvertent contamination of the middle ear by the normal secretions found in the back of the nose. A tube that is always open is called a patulous Eustachian tube. Patients with this rare condition are plagued by chronic ear infections. A much more common problem is a failure of the Eustachian tube to regulate pressure effectively. Partial or complete blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause popping, clicking, and ear fullness.

As Eustachian tube function worsens, air pressure in the middle ear falls, and the ear feels full and sounds are muffled. Eventually, a vacuum is created which can then cause fluid to be drawn into the middle ear space (termed serous otitis media). If the fluid becomes infected, the common ear infection (supperative otitis media) develops

The Eustachian tube is a membrane lined tube that connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Its primary function is to ventilate the middle ear, ensuring that the pressure inside the ear remains at near normal ambient air pressure. The secondary function of the Eustachian tube is to drain any accumulated secretions, infection, or debris from the middle ear space. Several small muscles located in the back of the throat and palate control the opening and closing of the tube. Swallowing and yawning cause contraction of these muscles, and help to regulate Eustachian tube function. If it were not for the Eustachian tube, the middle ear cavity would be an isolated air pocket inside the head that would be vulnerable to every change in air pressure and lead to an unhealthy ear.

Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed which helps prevent the inadvertent contamination of the middle ear by the normal secretions found in the back of the nose. A tube that is always open is called a patulous Eustachian tube. Patients with this rare condition are plagued by chronic ear infections. A much more common problem is a failure of the Eustachian tube to regulate pressure effectively. Partial or complete blockage of the Eustachian tube can cause popping, clicking, and ear fullness.

As Eustachian tube function worsens, air pressure in the middle ear falls, and the ear feels full and sounds are muffled. Eventually, a vacuum is created which can then cause fluid to be drawn into the middle ear space (termed serous otitis media). If the fluid becomes infected, the common ear infection (supperative otitis media) develops.

."

I found at Travel Smith (Editor's Choice),an item called “EarPlanes.”  These are designed to relieve air pressure and guard against ear damage.  I went into my next scheduled travel writer’s assignment with some concern.  I used the decongestant sprays (Neo-Synephrine  is highly recommended), tablets, and the ear plugs.  The flight was without problems, and I now use the “EarPlanes” for all my flights since I usually have some Eustachian tub and sinus related  problems.  The tubes are also effective in controlling noise on a flight.  With them firmly inserted into the ears one can still hear, but the sound is very subdued.  Careful, most people have a tendency to speak very softly with the plugs in the ear and people will not be able to hear you speak.  Up the volume about 40% and it will come out a normal speaking volume.  At least that is my personal experience.

These are also carried at WalMart, and other outlets.  

These are made by Cirrus company, and here are some of their comments:

“EarPlanes are a patented pressure-regulating earplug inserted in the ear to help reduce discomfort often associated with air travel. They were developed by Cirrus Healthcare Products LLC in conjunction with the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles, and have been tested by US Navy aviators at the Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. The US Food and Drug Administration has designated EarPlanes as a "class 1" medical device, and as such, 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 a passenger’s Eustachian tube(s). The air pressure changes induced by the aircraft's descent 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.

Take a decongestant 24 hours before flying to keep air passages and ears clear. 

Chew gum or drink fluids through altitude changes during flight to equalize the pressure in the middle ear.

Use a set of EarPlanes™ for take-offs and landings or altitude changes during the flight to equalize the pressure in the middle ear. 

Hold the nose and swallow to alleviate ear pressure in the middle ear.

Use ¼ percent Neo-Synephrine nasal spray shortly after boarding the aircraft and again 45 minutes before the aircraft is due to land to keep the nasal passages open.

Try not to fly when you have a cold or upper respiratory infection, as you are more likely to experience ear problems.”

Not being a doctor, just a travel writer who travels the world over, writing from personal experience, I can say, “With a very serious middle ear problem, these allowed me to continue my flights without any problems.”  I recommend, before you use them when experiencing middle ear problems, contact a specialist for advice.  However, not one doctor (ear specialist) I talked with had knowledge about these, and even went so far as to tell me that nothing that stuck in the ear would help, since the problem was on the other side of the eardrum.  They could have not been more incorrect.  I carry these in all my travel bags now.

They do have a limited life span of about four times of use according to the manufacturer. 

Before inserting, pinch nose and blow to clear your ears. For best results, always insert EarPlanes one hour before landing. Remove after landing and when the cabin door is opened.

Chronic sufferers may also insert EarPlanes just before takeoff. EarPlanes may be removed when the airplane reaches maximum altitude and reinserted one hour before landing.

For maximum results, use your opposite hand to pull the top of your ear upward. Insert the ribbed end and turn like a corkscrew until snug.

Happy Traveling