Entry

Can I wear earplugs on a flight?

Apr 12th, 2007 17:54
Harish Kohli, http://www.awimaway.com

Can I wear earplugs on a flight?
Passengers who have ear trouble when flying or, worse, who have 
suffered perforated eardrums, often find that wearing earplugs helps a 
great deal, especially during take-off and landing. Airlines have been 
known to frown on this or even threaten passengers with punitive 
action, and you would be right to wonder why. The answer is that they 
like passengers to pay attention during the safety announcements, 
which is why they routinely ask passengers to turn off their personal 
stereos at that time. The ruling – which is common on BA flights – 
does not apply to earplugs.
So, now that you can go ahead and use them, what is best for you? It 
depends what your particular problem is. If noise is your main 
problem, earphones may be best at reducing the irritation of engine 
and wind noises. If its is the air pressure during flight that worries 
you, earplugs are the best protection, helping to prevent the 
uncomfortable pressure changes that happen when you travel by plane. 
If you are troubled by both noise and pressure, you can wear both 
earplugs and headphones. 
Will these gadgets not interfere with your conversations with the 
attractive stranger in the next seat, even if they (the gadgets) allow 
you to travel unscathed and unbothered?
Certain brands of plugs reduce the painful effects of rapid pressure 
changes while letting you hear voices, announcements, film soundtracks 
and music through headphones. Then there are ear filters designed to 
eliminate those unpleasant ‘ear popping’ sensations during flight.
On the market there are small plugs suitable for children, low-
profile, less intrusive and exclusive plugs – suitable also for 
motorcyclists and swimmers – and all kinds of clever headphones that 
deliver high-quality sound while at the same time allowing you to hear 
talk, announcements and other external sounds. Micro plugs can be worn 
under a helmet and are useful not only when flying but when, for 
example, doing DIY or working on your car.
And while you’re at it, why not equip yourself with a sleep pillow and 
an eye mask as well? Flying can be literally a pain, but you can do a 
lot to ease your senses throughout the flight.  
Harish Kohli
http://www.awimaway.com