If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane may cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all result in a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. Fortunately, recognizing how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next journey much more manageable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual outside sound present. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or worsen tinnitus.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, several variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those affected.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. The problem occurs when the eustachian tubes, responsible for maintaining ear pressure, have trouble adapting to going up or down. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Loud jet engine noise inside of the plane can be particularly bothersome near the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden changes in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor 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 actions can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, pick a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the issue by putting added pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Alternatively, consider utilizing plugs that are produced for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent blockages 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.
Techniques for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful 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 ease flight-related anxiety and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you depend on hearing aids, think about using them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially minimize the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Talk with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional in hearing health. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific recommendations, including personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.
