If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane might bring more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all add to more extreme or bothersome tinnitus. By grasping the impact of air travel on your ears and taking proactive measures, you can considerably reduce distress and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
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 extreme sound levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas may affect hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some people, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Comprehending airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to describe the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that often accompanies flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have trouble adapting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes may cause pressure imbalances to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel may intensify tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine noise inside of the plane can be especially irritating close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
By putting a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can significantly decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the disruptive 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.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If possible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the problem by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Alternatively, think about using plugs that are made for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective 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 alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Strategies for remaining calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing 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 reduce anxiety related to flying and reduce your focus on tinnitus.
Before your flight, aim to get quality sleep 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.
Get professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific recommendations, such as personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.