If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane might cause more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with worries about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all contribute to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. Fortunately, understanding how flying impacts your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next journey much more manageable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of an underlying health concerns such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect 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 detected by a medical specialist utilizing specialized listening devices. Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some people, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Comprehending airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted 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 create pressure differences to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel may intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid shifts in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can greatly decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the loud periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, pick a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Stay Away From Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the problem by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Strategies for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Redirecting one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and reduce your focus on tinnitus.
Before your flight, aim to get quality rest 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 restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Get professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A comprehensive assessment can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more effectively.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.