If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane may cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the anxiety associated with flying can all result in a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. Fortunately, understanding how flying impacts your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip far more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of factors can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that often accompanies flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes don’t open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds within the aircraft can be especially bothersome close to the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid shifts in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and troublesome.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few basic actions can go a long way toward easing 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 noisy periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Stay Clear Of Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the probability of active pressure adjustement.
Strategies for staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help minimize symptoms associated with the ears. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, decreasing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Consult with a professional if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to get advice from a specialist in hearing health. A comprehensive assessment can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.