If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane might cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and stress related to air travel can all contribute to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can substantially decrease distress and make your approaching flight a lot more enjoyable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual outside sound present. For some people, it presents as a persistent ringing, while others may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or aggravating hearing and balance issues.
- 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 individual 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” describes the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Inadequate opening of these tubes may create pressure differences to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and bothersome.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can dramatically decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can dramatically decrease ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to calming 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 instead of near the engines. This area is generally calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Stay Away From Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially intensify the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Alternatively, think about utilizing plugs that are made for controlling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these moments can decrease the probability of active pressure adjustement.
Techniques for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your trip, aim to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed assessment can identify the underlying reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific suggestions, such as personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.
