If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane may bring more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and stress related to air travel can all add to more intense or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking proactive steps, you can significantly decrease distress and make your approaching flight a lot more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent external sound present. Some individuals experience a constant ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden issue such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can worsen symptoms for some people, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. The problem occurs when the eustachian tubes, responsible for maintaining ear pressure, have trouble adapting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and cause it to feel more intrusive.
In-flight strategies to alleviate ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This area is generally calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Alternatively, consider utilizing plugs that are made for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to neuturalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can decrease the probability of active pressure equalization.
Techniques for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Redirecting one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy for coping with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can decrease anxiety related to flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, 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 may help you hear more naturally, reducing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a professional if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A thorough evaluation can determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted advice– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.