If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane might bring more than just enthusiasm 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 stress associated with 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 trip far more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to extreme noise levels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas might impact 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, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to describe the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that often accompanies flying. The issue arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes may cause pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Loud jet engine noise within the plane can be particularly bothersome close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden changes in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and cause it to feel more disruptive.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can considerably reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially reduce ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Select a strategic seating option: If possible, select a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Stay Clear Of Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, consider using plugs that are produced for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider using an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. 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. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related stress and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Consult with a professional if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A detailed evaluation can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, such as personalized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Schedule an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.
