If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane might cause 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 tension associated with air travel can all contribute to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. Fortunately, recognizing how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next trip far more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. For some people, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions 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, causing or worsening hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might affect 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 exacerbate symptoms for some people, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust 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.
For individuals who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or present new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt shifts in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related stress, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to calming music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a tactical seating option: If feasible, opt for a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about using 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.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these times can decrease the probability of active pressure equalization.
Techniques for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, soothing 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.
Before your trip, aim to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help minimize symptoms related to the ears. If you depend on hearing aids, think about wearing 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.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed evaluation can pinpoint the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, including individualized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.