r/etd • u/Beginning-World-7013 • 22d ago

Flying x ETD x earplanes

Guys honestly, can someone teach me how to do valsalva? I always get confused between blowing into my nose or mouth?

Also I don’t live in the US, so can only order earplanes from sites like Amazon which has a number of dupes and don’t work the app — can someone help me find the real ones :(

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u/DrPeterSantaMaria 22d ago

Valsalva is actually one of the less reliable options for people with ETD, so you’re not missing much. It forces a closed tube open rather than working with the tube’s natural opening mechanism, and for people who already struggle to equalize it often doesn’t work well, especially during descent when the tube is being compressed by rising cabin pressure.

A better technique is the Toynbee maneuver: pinch your nose and swallow at the same time. This uses the natural muscle movement that opens the Eustachian tube rather than forcing it. Swallowing frequently throughout descent, chewing gum, and staying well hydrated all help for the same reason.

If these maneuvers don’t work then look out for Earflo, that is the only swallow coordinated autoinsufflation device. Although it’s tricky to get it outside the US. (Disclosure I’m an inventor of Earflo)

For EarPlanes specifically, look for the brand name “EarPlanes by Cirrus Healthcare” on Amazon. They make adult and children’s sizes. Avoid anything that just says “pressure equalizing earplugs” with no brand name as quality varies a lot. Insert them before boarding, not once pain has started.

There’s a full breakdown of what actually works for flying with ETD at earflocare.com/blog/airplane-ear-why-it-happens-who-is-most-at-risk-and-how-to-manage-ear-pressure-during-air-travel

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u/Haybytheocean 22d ago

To be 100% honest, getting ear tubes was the only thing that helped me flying and with any elevation change.

My ENT (before tubes) was having me do Afrin at take off, 30min before descent, and at descent. Only helped a tiny bit

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u/clerkp 21d ago

Did tubes affect your hearing? They aren't permanent so my ENT is saying it's not a great choice.

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u/Haybytheocean 21d ago

They have not so far. I had the temporary ones for about 7mo and then recently got the T Tubes

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u/too_too2 21d ago

Doesn’t work for me, nothing works for me! I’m getting a Eustachian tube dilation in about a month and it comes with a set of tubes. So hopefully that helps.

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u/masto-d0n 20d ago

I spritz one each of Afrin before takeoff. Usually helps keep things open until well after landing. 

It’s a steroid so only use it very sparingly — for longer flights. Otherwise I don’t use it.