If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane might cause more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all add to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can considerably reduce discomfort and make your upcoming flight a lot more pleasant.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden issue such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medications: A number of medications can harm the inner ear, leading to or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to describe the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that often accompanies flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, responsible for maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. Insufficient opening of these tubes might cause pressure differences to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
People who have tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid shifts in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and troublesome.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can dramatically reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, pick a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This location is generally calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the issue by putting added pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to equalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to avoid blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Strategies for staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a potent tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety related to flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Before your trip, try to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. If you depend on hearing aids, think about using them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Get professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed evaluation can identify the underlying reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, including individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.