If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane might bring more than just excitement about your destination– it may also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all add to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. Luckily, understanding how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next journey much more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
Tinnitus is often a warning sign of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, 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 trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications can harm the inner ear, leading to or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might affect hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
People experiencing tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel may intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the quick shifts in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and cause it to feel more disruptive.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can dramatically decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably reduce ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, pick a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed 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 Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, consider using an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to avoid obstructions 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.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your flight, try to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel might also help minimize symptoms associated with the ears. If you rely on hearing aids, think about wearing 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.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A thorough assessment can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Schedule an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.