If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all contribute to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. Luckily, understanding how flying affects your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next journey much more manageable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent external sound present. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden issue such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus can be perceived in two ways: as a personal experience that only the person can hear, or as a sound that can be recognized by a medical specialist using specialized listening devices. When flying, several factors can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those affected.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing while flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, particularly 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 normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
Travel tips for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can significantly reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably decrease ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. 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 you can, 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 Clear Of Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, consider using plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Strategies for remaining calm and entertained during a flight
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, 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 wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Get professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to get advice from a specialist in hearing health. A thorough assessment can determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to manage flare-ups more successfully.
Schedule an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.