For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight might exacerbate their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip jitters about reaching their final destination. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all result in a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can substantially reduce distress and make your approaching flight a lot more pleasant.
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 continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to excessive noise levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard 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 uncomfortable for those affected.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing while flying. The issue occurs when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
People experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel may worsen tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid shifts in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
In-flight strategies to alleviate ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can dramatically decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If possible, 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 tranquil flight.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Sleeping during these times can decrease the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
Strategies for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Refocusing one’s attention can be a highly effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and reduce your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. 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 impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Get professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is advisable to get advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed evaluation can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, such as individualized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.