If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane may cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety associated with flying can all result in a worsening or more bothersome experience of 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 settings?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. 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 health concerns such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, several factors can intensify the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Exploring the connection 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 ascent or descent. Inadequate opening of these tubes might cause pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
People experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Loud jet engine sounds within the plane can be especially 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 rapid changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
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 greatly minimize the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, pick a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Stay Away From Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, 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 up, allowing pressure to equalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor advises it. This can help reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Strategies for staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Refocusing one’s attention can be a very effective approach for coping with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related stress and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help lessen symptoms related to 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 minimize the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Talk with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional in hearing health. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific recommendations, including personalized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.