If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane may cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. Fortunately, understanding how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next journey much more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent outside sound present. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden health concerns including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of medications can harm the inner ear, leading to or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, resulting in 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 when flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of several factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple actions 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, particularly during the noisy 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 Wisely: If available, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Alternatively, consider utilizing plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider taking 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.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Refocusing one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy for coping with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions such as audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety related to flying and decrease your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your flight, aim to get quality rest 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 restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Talk with a professional if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive evaluation can determine 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.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.