If you live with tinnitus, boarding 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 stress associated with air travel can all add to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. Luckily, understanding how flying impacts your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent outside sound present. Some people experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus can be perceived in two ways: as a personal experience that only the person can hear, or as a sound that can be recognized by a medical professional utilizing specialized listening devices. When flying, a number of variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those impacted.
Comprehending airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to 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– struggle to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Inadequate opening of these tubes may create pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
For individuals who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be especially irritating near the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The sudden shifts in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few basic steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to calming music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If feasible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, think about using plugs that are produced for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about 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 Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Techniques for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Refocusing one’s attention can be a very effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help minimize symptoms associated with the ears. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, decreasing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to get advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, including personalized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.