For people who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight may exacerbate their ear discomfort, enhancing the usual pre-trip anxieties about getting to their final destination. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all contribute to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. Fortunately, recognizing how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next journey much 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 external sound present. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or aggravating hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced 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 uncomfortable for those impacted.
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 while flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even 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 problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be especially bothersome close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
Travel suggestions for decreasing 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 dramatically decrease background engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially intensify the issue by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient 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 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. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Techniques for remaining calm and entertained during a flight
Refocusing 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 alleviate flight-related anxiety and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding 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 restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive assessment can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more effectively.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.
