If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane might bring more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all contribute to more intense or irritating tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying impacts your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip far more manageable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. For some, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of an underlying health concerns including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas might affect hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of factors can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those impacted.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to describe the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The sudden changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and cause it to feel more intrusive.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can substantially reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a strategic seating option: If feasible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the problem by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Alternatively, consider using plugs that are made for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective 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 prior to flying to prevent blockages 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.
Strategies for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Refocusing one’s attention can be a very effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related stress and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your flight, aim to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help minimize symptoms associated with the ears. If you rely on hearing aids, think about using them during your flight – they can help restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Get professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts 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 evaluation can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.