If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane may cause more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all result in a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can dramatically decrease discomfort and make your upcoming flight a lot more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual outside sound present. Some people experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying health concerns such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas may impact 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 detected by a medical professional using specialized listening devices. Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some people, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that frequently accompanies flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, responsible for sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus may find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be especially irritating close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid shifts in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The stress of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and cause it to feel more intrusive.
Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially decrease ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially intensify the problem by putting added pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Diversion is a potent tool for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and decrease your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed evaluation can identify the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, such as personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.
