If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking proactive steps, you can significantly decrease discomfort and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent outside sound present. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden health concerns including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or intensified by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may 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 professional utilizing specialized listening equipment. Air travel can worsen symptoms for some people, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. The issue arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes might create pressure imbalances to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
People experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Loud jet engine sounds within the aircraft can be particularly bothersome 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 shifts in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can dramatically reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially reduce ambient engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Select a tactical seating option: If possible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Stay Away From Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the problem by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, 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 equalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
Techniques for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective approach for coping with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Before your trip, aim to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Get professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is advisable to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A thorough evaluation can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more successfully.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.