Earplugs for travelling and flying
In an aircraft cabin you sit for hours in noise of about 75 to 85 dB(A). Custom earplugs make that drone quieter, so you travel more calmly and can sleep on the way, while you still hear announcements and the cabin crew.
Which protection for which journey?
Choose your level of protection based on what you want to do on the way, such as reading, working, sleeping or simply sitting more calmly. These are the filters that suit travel, with their attenuation (SNR).
Filters for travelling
Based on the acoustic specifications of Dynamic Ear Company, as on our filter page.
How to choose for your journey
16 dB SNR and suitable for sleeping. At 80 dB(A) in the cabin you end up at roughly 64 dB.
View General useAccording to our filter specification, the breathable DM membrane gives extra wearing comfort when flying. It is not a remedy for ear pain.
Design with a DM filterQuiet enough to read or work, while you still hear the announcement for your station.
More about working with earplugsCustom-made for smaller ears, in a colour they choose themselves. Ears are still growing, so have the fit checked regularly.
View Earplugs for childrenHow to choose earplugs for travelling
How loud is it on the way?
An aircraft cabin is not a quiet place. A study by Ozcan and Nemlioglu (2006) measured continuous levels of 80 to 85 dB(A) during flights, and a NASA overview gives 75 to 82 dB(A) for modern jet aircraft at cruising altitude. Exactly how loud it is depends on the aircraft and where you sit.
This kind of noise is mainly tiring. You have to talk louder and it lasts for hours. If you often fly long distances, it also adds up. The WHO counts 80 dB for 40 hours a week as a safe weekly dose, and a cabin is sometimes above that.
What you want to keep hearing on the way
- Announcements from the pilot and cabin crew, and the announcements at the station or on the train.
- The safety briefing. Listen to it first and then put your earplugs in.
- Your travel companions, without having to take your earplugs out all the time.
- Your alarm or a knock on the door when you sleep in a hotel or hostel. Test in advance whether you can hear your alarm.
That is why we use a membrane filter and not a solid plug. The drone gets quieter, but speech still comes through.
Flying and pressure changes
During take-off and especially landing, the air pressure in the cabin changes. According to our filter specification, the DM filters have a breathable, pressure-regulating membrane that gives extra wearing comfort when flying. The manufacturer mentions cabin crew as one of the target groups. Earplugs are not a treatment for ear pain during flights. If you have a cold or trouble with your ears, ask your GP (huisarts) for advice before you leave.
Sleeping on the way
On a night flight, a night train, in a hotel or a hostel, you mainly want rest. Then choose more protection, such as the 16 dB of the Earplugs for general use or a DR 20 with 19 dB, which you choose yourself when you design your earplugs. If you sleep on your side or with your head against the window, silicone can be more comfortable, because it is softer than acrylic. More in acrylic or silicone, which should you choose?
You can read more tips for a good night's sleep in sleeping with custom earplugs.
Handy when travelling
- Case in your hand luggage. It fits in a coat pocket and you always have it to hand.
- Put them in before take-off, after the safety briefing. Then you benefit from them for the whole flight.
- Cleaning on the way. A dry cloth is enough, and at home you clean them more thoroughly. See cleaning custom earplugs.
- Choose a colour that stands out, so you find them again among blankets and pillows. Or give them a jewel.
- A festival or concert on your trip? Then read earplugs for concerts and festivals.
Do you also use them for concerts or studying? Read how to choose one pair for several situations.
Sources
- Ozcan and Nemlioglu (2006), In-cabin noise levels during commercial aircraft flights, Canadian Acoustics
- Mixson and Wilby (1991), Interior Noise, NASA
- WHO-ITU, Safe listening devices and systems
- Acoustic specifications of the filters (H, M, L and SNR) from Dynamic Ear Company, as on our filter page.
Written by Thijs Worm. Last updated 5 October 2026.
How to get your travel earplugs
Travelling soon? Your earplugs are ready about three weeks after your ear impressions are taken.
Design
Choose the material, colour, filter and, if you like, a jewel or logo online. You see the price straight away and get a design code. If you also want to sleep in them on the way, choose a filter with more protection, such as 16 dB SNR.
OnlineImpressions at the hearing centre
Take your design code to a partner hearing centre. The hearing care professional takes impressions of your ears. The ear impressions are included in the price and you pay at the hearing centre.
Ear impressions includedMade in our lab
Audiform in Kilder makes your earplugs from the impressions. They are ready about three weeks after your ear impressions are taken. You agree with your hearing care professional whether you collect them or have them sent to you.
About 3 weeksQuestions about earplugs for travelling
Do earplugs help against ear pain during take-off and landing?
That is not what they are made for. According to our filter specification, a DM filter with a pressure-regulating membrane gives extra wearing comfort when flying, but it is not a treatment. If you have trouble with your ears or a cold, ask your GP (huisarts) for advice.
Can I sleep in them on the plane?
Yes. Then choose more protection, such as 16 or 19 dB. Silicone is softer if you rest your head against the window or a pillow.
Will I still hear announcements?
Yes. A membrane filter reduces the drone, but speech still comes through. With a light filter like the DR 10, announcements are easiest to follow.
Which level of protection suits the train?
For reading or working, a DR 10 (9 dB) or DR 15 (16 dB) is usually enough. You will still hear the announcement for your station.
Are there also custom earplugs for children who travel with you?
Yes, the Earplugs for children are custom-made for smaller ears. Because ears grow, have the fit checked regularly.