If you live 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, variations in air pressure, and the stress related to flying can all result in a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. Fortunately, recognizing how flying impacts your ears and learning 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 actual external sound present. Some people experience a continuous ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying health concerns including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to excessive sound levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of medications can harm the inner ear, leading to or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact 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 recognized by a medical professional using specialized listening equipment. Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
People experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy worsens their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt shifts in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related anxiety, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and troublesome.
Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can dramatically decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, pick a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the problem by putting added pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Instead, think about using plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your physician recommends it. This can help alleviate 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.
Strategies for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and decrease your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. If you rely on hearing aids, consider using them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially minimize the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus disrupts travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A comprehensive evaluation can determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.