For people who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight may intensify their ear discomfort, enhancing the usual pre-trip anxieties about getting to their final destination. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all contribute to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce distress and make your upcoming flight a lot more pleasant.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying health concerns such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to extreme noise levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect both 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 detected by a medical specialist using specialized listening devices. Air travel can worsen symptoms for some individuals, resulting in a more stressful experience during flights.
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 while flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes don’t open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid shifts in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
In-flight strategies to alleviate ringing in the ears.
By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can substantially reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can greatly decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the loud 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 available, pick a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This area is generally calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Alternatively, think about utilizing plugs that are made for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective 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 preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the probability of active pressure adjustement.
Techniques for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Diversion is a powerful tool for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions such as audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related stress and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Get professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, including personalized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.