For individuals who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight might intensify their ear discomfort, enhancing the normal pre-trip anxieties about getting to their final destination. The boosted 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. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can significantly reduce discomfort and make your upcoming flight a lot more enjoyable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden health concerns including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medicines: Certain medications can harm the inner ear, leading to or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the issue.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden changes 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 exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related anxiety, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.
In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple actions can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly decrease ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Opt for a strategic seating option: If feasible, opt for a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Alternatively, consider utilizing plugs that are produced for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Sleeping during these times can decrease the probability of active pressure equalization.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective approach for coping with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related stress and lessen your awareness of 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. If you depend on hearing aids, consider using them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Get professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, such as personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Schedule an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.