For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight might exacerbate their ear discomfort, enhancing the normal pre-trip jitters about getting to their final destination. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all result in a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can substantially decrease discomfort and make your upcoming flight a lot more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual outside sound present. For some, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of an underlying issue including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to excessive noise levels can damage the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or worsen tinnitus.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may affect hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.
Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to describe the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Insufficient opening of these tubes might create pressure imbalances to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
For individuals with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or present new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the issue.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to various factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The sudden shifts in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and cause it to feel more disruptive.
Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few basic actions can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can dramatically decrease background engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, away from the engines. This area is generally calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional 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 regularly, as these simple actions can help maintain 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, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to prevent blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Techniques for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a potent tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions such as audiobooks, calming 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 awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. If you rely on hearing aids, consider wearing them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially decrease the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, including individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.
