If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane may bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all add to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can dramatically decrease discomfort and make your approaching flight a lot more pleasant.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of an underlying health concerns including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, resulting in a more stressful experience during flights.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Inadequate opening of these tubes may create pressure differences to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
People who have tinnitus may find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be especially bothersome near the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few basic actions can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can dramatically reduce ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to calming music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, 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 equalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing 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 solutions
Distraction is a potent tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in 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. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. If you rely on hearing aids, consider wearing 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.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, including individualized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.
