If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane may cause more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety associated with flying can all result in a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. Fortunately, understanding how flying impacts your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip far more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to extreme noise levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of drugs can harm the inner ear, resulting in or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact both 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 using specialized listening devices. When flying, several variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those impacted.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
People who have tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Loud jet engine noise inside of the aircraft can be especially bothersome near the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick shifts in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can dramatically decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can greatly decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to calming 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 spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Stay Clear Of Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, consider utilizing plugs that are produced for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: 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 physician advises it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can reduce the likelihood of active pressure equalization.
Strategies for staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a potent tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related stress and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your trip, try to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help minimize symptoms related to the ears. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A thorough assessment can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.
