For individuals who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight might exacerbate their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip anxieties about reaching their final destination. The increased noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the anxiety associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can substantially reduce discomfort and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden health concerns including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to excessive noise levels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might impact 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 devices. When flying, several variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to describe the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that often accompanies flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, responsible for sustaining ear pressure, have trouble adapting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes may cause pressure differences to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
For individuals with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or present new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound 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, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden shifts in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The stress of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
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:
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can greatly minimize the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to calming music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This location is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
- Take a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent blockages 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 strategies
Refocusing one’s attention can be a very effective approach for coping with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. If you rely on hearing aids, consider wearing them during your flight – they can help restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially minimize the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Get professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A thorough evaluation can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.