For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight might exacerbate their ear discomfort, enhancing the normal pre-trip anxieties about reaching their final destination. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all result in a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can dramatically decrease distress and make your upcoming flight much more pleasant.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual external sound present. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health issue or hidden condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to extreme sound levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect both hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies 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 differences to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
For individuals with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or present new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and bothersome.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few basic steps can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This location is typically calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Stay Clear Of Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to neuturalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider taking a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your physician recommends it. This can help reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these moments can decrease the likelihood of active pressure equalization.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Diversion is a powerful tool for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you depend on hearing aids, consider using them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially minimize the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A thorough assessment can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more effectively.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.