Best Earplugs for Flying

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Earplugs for flying come in two broad camps that solve different problems, and knowing which you need keeps you from buying the wrong thing. The first camp is pressure-relief earplugs, which contain a small ceramic or filter element that slows the rate of air pressure change against your eardrum during climb and descent, easing the ear pain and popping that some travelers dread, especially with a cold or blocked sinuses. These are not meant to block much noise, so judge them on comfort and how well the filter regulates pressure rather than on silence. The second camp is noise-blocking earplugs for sleeping through engine drone and cabin chatter, and here the number to watch is the Noise Reduction Rating, or NRR, measured in decibels, where a higher figure blocks more sound. Disposable foam plugs offer the highest NRR for the least money and mold to your ear canal for a strong seal, though they are single-use and can feel bulky. Reusable silicone or flanged plugs are more comfortable for long wear, easy to clean, and better for the environment, but usually block a touch less than dense foam. Some travelers carry both, using pressure-relief plugs for takeoff and landing and foam or silicone for sleeping in between. Look for a small carry case to keep them clean, and a fit that suits your ear canal, since comfort determines whether you keep them in. Expect to pay just a few dollars for foam multipacks and roughly 10 to 25 dollars for quality reusable or pressure-relief pairs. Match the type to your real problem first.