For people who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight might intensify their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip anxieties about reaching their final destination. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and stress related to air travel can all contribute to more intense or irritating tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip far more manageable.
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. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health issue or hidden condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to extreme noise levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or worsen tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can worsen symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Comprehending airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing while flying. The problem occurs when the eustachian tubes, in charge of sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden shifts in air pressure that happen 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 not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can greatly decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially intensify the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, consider using plugs that are made for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to equalize more efficiently.
- Take a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Techniques for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related stress and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help minimize symptoms associated with the ears. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use 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 interferes with travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional in hearing health. A detailed assessment can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, such as individualized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.