If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The increased noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the anxiety associated with flying can all result in a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can significantly reduce distress and make your approaching 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 existent external sound present. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance problems.
- 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 individual can hear, or as a sound that can be recognized by a medical specialist utilizing specialized listening equipment. Air travel can worsen symptoms for some people, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to describe the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Insufficient opening of these tubes may cause pressure differences to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the aircraft can be especially irritating close to the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt shifts in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
In-flight techniques to alleviate ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can significantly decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the loud periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, select a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the issue by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, consider using plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help reduce 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 adjust to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Strategies for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Redirecting one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy for coping with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and reduce your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A detailed assessment can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, 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.