For people who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight may exacerbate their ear discomfort, enhancing the usual pre-trip jitters about reaching their final destination. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all contribute to more intense or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can significantly decrease distress and make your approaching flight much more enjoyable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
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 sounds.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, resulting in or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas may affect 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 people, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing while flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, responsible for sustaining ear pressure, have trouble adapting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
People experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel may worsen tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be especially bothersome close to the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the quick shifts in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and bothersome.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can substantially reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly decrease ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Select a strategic seating option: If feasible, select a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially intensify the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
- 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 prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these moments can decrease the probability of active pressure adjustement.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is recommended to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A comprehensive evaluation can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted advice– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more effectively.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.