If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane might cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking proactive measures, you can dramatically reduce distress and make your upcoming flight a lot more enjoyable.
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. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to excessive sound levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered 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 impact both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can worsen symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Insufficient opening of these tubes might create pressure differences to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus might find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be particularly irritating near the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and cause it to feel more disruptive.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few simple actions can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a strategic seating option: If possible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This location is typically calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
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 focus away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you depend on hearing aids, consider wearing them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Get professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A comprehensive evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Schedule an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.