For people who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight might exacerbate their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip jitters about getting to their final destination. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can dramatically reduce discomfort and make your approaching flight a lot more pleasant.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of an underlying issue such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medicines: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, leading to or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, several variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muted 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 don’t open efficiently, pressure discrepancies can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
People experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the issue.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can significantly reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially 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.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If feasible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Stay Clear Of Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
Techniques for remaining calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and decrease your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your flight, try to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. If you rely on hearing aids, think about 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.
Get professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional in hearing health. A detailed evaluation can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, such as personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Schedule an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.
