For people who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight might intensify their ear discomfort, enhancing the usual pre-trip jitters about reaching their final destination. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the stress related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can dramatically decrease discomfort and make your approaching flight much more pleasant.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual outside sound present. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
Tinnitus is frequently an indicator of a deeper health issue or hidden condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating 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 recognized by a medical specialist using specialized listening devices. When flying, several variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during ascent or descent. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure discrepancies can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
For individuals who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or present new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The sudden changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and cause it to feel more disruptive.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can substantially reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy 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 location is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Stay Away From Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. As an alternative, 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 neuturalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor advises it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective strategy for coping with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. 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. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help minimize symptoms related to the ears. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Get professional advice if tinnitus disrupts travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional in hearing health. A detailed evaluation can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific recommendations, including personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.