For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight may intensify their ear discomfort, adding to the usual pre-trip anxieties about getting to their final destination. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and stress related to air travel can all contribute to more intense or irritating tinnitus. By grasping the impact of air travel on your ears and taking proactive measures, you can substantially reduce discomfort and make your upcoming flight much 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 outside sound present. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
Tinnitus is often a warning sign of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to excessive sound levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, resulting in or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can worsen symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing while flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during ascent or descent. If these tubes don’t open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be especially bothersome near the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.
In-flight techniques to alleviate ringing in the ears.
By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can considerably decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the disruptive 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, further from the engines. This location is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, consider using plugs that are produced for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor advises it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Strategies for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Diversion is a potent tool for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including 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.
Before your trip, aim to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you rely on hearing aids, consider wearing them during your flight – they can help restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Talk with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional in hearing health. A detailed evaluation can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, such as personalized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.