If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane may cause more than just excitement about your destination– it may also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking proactive measures, you can considerably 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 actual external sound present. Some individuals experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
Tinnitus is often a warning sign of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- 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 specialist utilizing specialized listening equipment. Air travel can worsen symptoms for some individuals, resulting in a more stressful experience during flights.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing while flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. Inadequate opening of these tubes might create pressure differences to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
For individuals who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or present new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related anxiety, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
Taking a few basic steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly decrease ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, pick a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, consider utilizing plugs that are made for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, consider using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Sleeping during these times can reduce the probability of active pressure adjustement.
Techniques for remaining calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a potent tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related stress and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your trip, try to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Consult with a professional if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed evaluation can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, including individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.