For people who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight might intensify their ear discomfort, enhancing the normal pre-trip anxieties about reaching their final destination. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all add to more intense or irritating tinnitus. Fortunately, recognizing how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next journey far more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation settings?
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.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to extreme sound levels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering 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 professional utilizing specialized listening devices. When flying, several factors can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. If these tubes don’t open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms because of several factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
In-flight techniques to alleviate ringing in the ears.
By putting a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can dramatically decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably reduce background engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If possible, opt for a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate 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 neuturalize more effectively.
- 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 avoid blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert 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.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Diversion is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming 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, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. If you rely on hearing aids, think about using them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, including personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.