If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane might bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all result in a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying affects your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next journey much more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while others may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden issue such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may impact 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 utilizing specialized listening devices. Air travel can worsen symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. The problem occurs when the eustachian tubes, responsible for sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
For people with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or present new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of several factors.
- Loud jet engine sounds within the aircraft can be especially irritating close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden 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 worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious 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:
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can greatly minimize the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy 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 choice: If feasible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the problem by putting added pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
- 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 reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Refocusing one’s attention can be a highly effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions such as audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, reducing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive assessment can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more effectively.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.