For people who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight might intensify their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip anxieties about getting to their final destination. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all add to more intense or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can significantly reduce distress and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent external sound present. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others might hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, leading to 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 specialist through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those impacted.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that frequently accompanies flying. The issue arises when the eustachian tubes, responsible for maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes might create pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
People experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy worsens their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine noise inside of the plane can be especially bothersome near the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden changes in air pressure that occur 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, coupled with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can substantially decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If possible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Stay Clear Of Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can decrease the probability of active pressure adjustement.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Diversion is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your trip, try to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help minimize symptoms related to the ears. If you depend on hearing aids, consider using them during your flight – they can help restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially minimize the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed assessment can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific suggestions, including individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.