For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight might intensify their ear discomfort, enhancing the usual pre-trip anxieties about getting to their final destination. The increased noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next journey far 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 outside sound present. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health issue or hidden condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect 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 detected by a medical specialist using specialized listening devices. When flying, several variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to describe the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies 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 don’t open efficiently, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
For people with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of several factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can considerably reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably reduce background engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, pick a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This location is generally calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the problem by putting added pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to avoid blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these moments can decrease the likelihood of active pressure equalization.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Refocusing one’s attention can be a very effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related anxiety and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a professional 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 specialist in hearing health. A detailed evaluation can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, including individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.
