For individuals who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight may intensify their ear discomfort, adding to the usual pre-trip anxieties about reaching their final destination. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all add to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can considerably reduce discomfort and make your approaching flight much more pleasant.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. For some, it presents as a relentless ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying health concerns including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or worsen tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, leading to or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including 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 recognized by a medical specialist using 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
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus may find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the aircraft can be particularly irritating close to the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and bothersome.
In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.
By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can significantly decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Using noise-canceling headphones can greatly minimize the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly 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 Wisely: If available, pick a seat in the front of the aircraft, away from 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 issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during 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 staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Refocusing one’s attention can be a very effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you rely on hearing aids, think about wearing them during your flight – they can help restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus disrupts travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional in hearing health. A comprehensive assessment can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more successfully.
Schedule an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.