If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane might cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with worries about intensifying ear symptoms. The increased noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all result in a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. Luckily, understanding how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual outside sound present. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while others might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of an underlying health concerns such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may affect 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 professional utilizing specialized listening equipment. When flying, a number of variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that often accompanies flying. The issue arises when the eustachian tubes, responsible for maintaining ear pressure, have trouble adjusting to going up or down. If these tubes don’t open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or present new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
How air travel can intensify 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 irritating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt shifts in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and bothersome.
In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a tactical seating choice: If feasible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more efficient 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 before flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Diversion is a potent tool for dealing 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 focus on tinnitus.
Before your trip, aim to get quality rest 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 might help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a professional if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is advisable to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A thorough evaluation can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.
