If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane may bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of 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 worsen in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some people, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
Tinnitus is frequently an indicator of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, resulting in or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect 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 devices. Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Comprehending airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing while flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. Insufficient opening of these tubes may create pressure imbalances to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.
Why flying can aggravate 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 worsen 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.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and cause it to feel more intrusive.
In-flight techniques to alleviate 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.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably reduce background engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Stay Away From Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the issue by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your physician advises it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Strategies for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and decrease your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your flight, try to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms associated with the ears. If you rely on hearing aids, think about using them during your flight – they can help restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Talk with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can identify the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific recommendations, such as personalized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.