If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane may cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all add to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking proactive steps, you can dramatically reduce discomfort and make your upcoming flight a lot more pleasant.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent outside sound present. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
Tinnitus is often a warning sign of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid accumulation and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or aggravating hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas may affect 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 devices. When flying, a number of variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Insufficient opening of these tubes might 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 stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The abrupt shifts in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and cause it to feel more intrusive.
Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few basic actions can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This area is generally calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the issue 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 Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can decrease the likelihood of active pressure equalization.
Strategies for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your trip, aim to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you depend on hearing aids, consider wearing 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.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, including individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.