If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane might bring more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The increased noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all result in a worsening or more bothersome experience of 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 surface 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 sounds.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health problem or underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to extreme sound levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
For people with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel may intensify tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds within the plane can be especially bothersome close to the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few basic steps can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially reduce background engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, pick a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This area is generally calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, think about using plugs that are produced for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your physician advises it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective strategy 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 alleviate flight-related stress and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. And if you wear 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.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A comprehensive evaluation can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.