If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane might cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all add to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce distress and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health issue or hidden condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could 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 people, resulting in a more stressful experience during flights.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and 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– struggle to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Inadequate opening of these tubes might create pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus may find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Changes 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 exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related stress, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.
In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly decrease ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If possible, select a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This area is generally calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Stay Clear Of Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, consider utilizing plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to equalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your flight, try to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Avoiding 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.
Get professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A comprehensive evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted advice– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more successfully.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.