For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight may intensify their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip jitters about getting to their final destination. The boosted noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By grasping the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can significantly decrease discomfort and make your upcoming flight much more pleasant.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- 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). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that often accompanies flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. Inadequate opening of these tubes might create pressure differences to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.
- Loud jet engine noise within the aircraft can be especially irritating close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.
In-flight strategies to alleviate ringing in the ears.
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 minimize the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If feasible, opt for a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, consider 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, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your physician recommends 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 manage pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Redirecting one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Before your trip, try to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you depend on hearing aids, think about 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 disrupts travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive assessment can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.
