If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane may bring more than just excitement 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 disturbing experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking proactive steps, you can considerably decrease discomfort and make your approaching flight a lot 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 existent outside sound present. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
Tinnitus is often a warning sign of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may affect 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 equipment. Air travel can worsen symptoms for some people, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes don’t open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of several factors.
- 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 affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Stay Away From Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the issue by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more efficiently.
- Take a Decongestant (If Authorized 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 during 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 managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. 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. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help minimize symptoms related to the ears. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a professional 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 specialist in hearing health. A comprehensive evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.