If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane may 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 tension associated with air travel can all contribute to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying impacts your ears and discovering 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 existent outside sound present. For some people, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health problem or underlying condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of drugs can harm the inner ear, leading to or intensifying symptoms.
- 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 professional utilizing specialized listening equipment. When flying, a number of variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that often accompanies flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. Insufficient opening of these tubes may cause pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
For individuals who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or present new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the issue.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and cause it to feel more disruptive.
Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few basic steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the distracting 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 may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, pick a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. 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 strategy for coping with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus disrupts travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive assessment can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more successfully.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.
