For people who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight might intensify their ear discomfort, enhancing the normal pre-trip jitters about reaching their final destination. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can dramatically reduce distress and make your approaching flight a lot more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent outside sound present. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
Tinnitus is frequently an indicator of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including 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 unpleasant for those affected.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
People who have tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy worsens their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can significantly reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, consider using plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your physician advises it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these moments can decrease the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Refocusing one’s attention can be a very effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety related to flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A thorough evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and lead to 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.
