If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane may bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with worries about intensifying ear symptoms. 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 grasping the impact of air travel on your ears and taking proactive measures, you can substantially decrease discomfort and make your approaching flight a lot more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
Tinnitus is frequently an indicator of a deeper health problem or underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to excessive sound levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening 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 individual can hear, or as a sound that can be detected by a medical specialist utilizing specialized listening equipment. Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to describe the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. The problem occurs when the eustachian tubes, in charge of sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can considerably decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably decrease background engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Select a tactical seating option: If possible, 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 potentially intensify the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your physician recommends it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during 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
Diversion is a potent tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related anxiety and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help minimize symptoms related to the ears. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Consult with a professional if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed assessment can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific suggestions, such as personalized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.