If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane might bring more than just excitement about your destination– it may also come with worries about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all add to more intense or irritating tinnitus. Fortunately, understanding how flying impacts your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound 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.
- Certain 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 may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can worsen symptoms for some people, resulting in 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 dulled hearing when flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. Insufficient opening of these tubes may cause pressure differences to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the problem.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel may worsen tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds within the plane can be particularly irritating close to the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The sudden changes in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.
In-flight strategies to alleviate ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can considerably reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can 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.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially intensify the problem by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Alternatively, think about utilizing plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to neuturalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider 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 avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can decrease the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
Strategies for staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Redirecting one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy for coping with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and reduce your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help lessen symptoms associated with the ears. If you depend on hearing aids, consider 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.
Talk with a professional if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive assessment can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.