Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Flying poses a double threat to your ears, with painful pressure changes and loud engines or fellow passengers. Bring ear plugs to help protect your ears and reduce noise. If you are wearing ear plugs, you will have an easier time concentrating on your reading or getting some sleep. But remember, if you wear ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones during a flight, you might not be able to hear important announcements made by flight crew or flight attendants.
EarPlane Air Pressure Regulating Ear Plugs ($7 to $8 as of December 2009) do more than simply reduce noise; they also regulate air pressure to reduce pain on flights. Make sure you put them in before the cabin door is closed, and save them for reuse.
These ear plugs use a particularly soft foam for extra comfort. You can buy a box of 200 pairs for about $25; this is a good deal if you will be flying often.
These disposable ear plugs are softer than many other brands and can reduce noise significantly. You can buy eight pairs for $5 or 20 pairs for $10.
This is a more expensive option but might be a good investment if you take lots of long flights. These battery-operated headphones work like magic to cancel droning noise. Depending on the kind you buy, you can also listen to music while the noise-canceling device is turned on. Look at the Creative Aurvana X-Fi (about $300) or Bose Quiet Comfort ($200 to $500).