For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight may exacerbate their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip jitters about reaching their final destination. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and stress related to air travel can all add to more intense or irritating tinnitus. Luckily, understanding how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent external sound present. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of medications 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 may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of factors can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that often accompanies flying. The issue occurs when the eustachian tubes, responsible for sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure discrepancies can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
People experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates additional ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to 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 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 Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
In-flight techniques to alleviate ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly reduce background engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Select a strategic seating option: If feasible, select a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the problem by putting added pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Instead, think about utilizing plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert 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
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety related to flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms associated with the ears. If you depend on hearing aids, consider wearing them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Get professional advice if tinnitus disrupts travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is advisable to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A comprehensive evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.