If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might bring more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with worries about intensifying ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the anxiety associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. Luckily, understanding how flying impacts your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual outside sound present. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while other people might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health problem or underlying condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas may impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some people, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
For people with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can considerably decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can greatly decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This location is typically calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Stay Away From Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the issue by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, think about using plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor advises it. This can help reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Distraction is a powerful tool for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related stress and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help minimize symptoms associated with the ears. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a professional if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive evaluation can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.