If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane might bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all contribute to more intense or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can dramatically reduce distress and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health issue or hidden condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or aggravating hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas might affect 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 variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those affected.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. The problem occurs when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. If these tubes don’t open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the issue.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine noise within the plane can be particularly irritating close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and troublesome.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can dramatically decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially reduce ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Select a strategic seating choice: If feasible, 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 problem by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to equalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, consider using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can reduce the probability of active pressure equalization.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. 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.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, such as 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.
