For people 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 loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all contribute to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can considerably decrease discomfort and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. For some, it presents as a persistent 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 underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, leading to or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may affect hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can worsen symptoms for some individuals, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing while flying. The problem occurs when the eustachian tubes, in charge of sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or present new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel may worsen tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
Travel tips for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can considerably decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably decrease background engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, select 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 may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Alternatively, consider using plugs that are produced for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent obstructions 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
Diversion is a potent tool for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your trip, try to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, decreasing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A thorough assessment can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Schedule an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.