The woman slowly turned on her stool. Her eyes, previously dull, now shimmered with a reflection of the steam. She looked at Elias, then looked at the machine, then back at Elias.

She had Steam Ears, too. But while Elias’s were fleeting and chaotic, hers were sharp, defined, and listening.

The hissing stopped instantly. Bessie let out a contented gurgle. The air cleared.

Often used for children on flights who struggle to "pop" their ears.