For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight may exacerbate their ear discomfort, enhancing the usual pre-trip anxieties about reaching their final destination. The boosted noise inside the airplane, fluctuations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking proactive measures, you can significantly decrease discomfort and make your upcoming flight a lot more enjoyable.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent external sound present. Some individuals experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden issue including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to excessive noise levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified 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: Growths like acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of factors can intensify the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those affected.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing while flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.
For people with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or present new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen 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, potentially causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related stress, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and troublesome.
In-flight strategies to alleviate ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can considerably decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Wearing noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, select a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- Stay Clear Of Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: Think about using 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 Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can reduce the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
Techniques for staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Refocusing one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease 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 decrease the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A thorough evaluation can determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.