If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane may cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking proactive steps, you can substantially decrease distress and make your approaching flight a lot more enjoyable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent outside sound present. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to excessive sound levels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or aggravating hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may affect hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard 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 issue arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes might cause pressure imbalances to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds within the aircraft can be particularly irritating near the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
In-flight strategies to alleviate ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can dramatically reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can greatly minimize the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Select a strategic seating option: If possible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This location is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Stay Clear Of Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider using 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 manage pressure. Sleeping during these times can decrease the probability of active pressure adjustement.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Redirecting one’s attention can be a highly effective approach for coping with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions such as audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related stress and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help minimize symptoms associated with the ears. If you depend on hearing aids, think about using them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially minimize the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Consult with a professional if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive assessment can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.
