If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The increased noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying affects your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next trip far more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while other people might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
Tinnitus is often a warning sign of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus can be perceived in two ways: as a personal experience that only the individual can hear, or as a sound that can be detected by a medical specialist utilizing specialized listening devices. Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some people, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing while flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Inadequate opening of these tubes might cause pressure differences to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
For individuals with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel tips for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few basic actions can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Using noise-canceling headphones can greatly minimize the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Select a tactical seating option: If possible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, consider using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. 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 managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Before your flight, aim to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help minimize symptoms related to the ears. If you depend 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.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is advisable to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A thorough evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.