If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane might bring more than just excitement about your destination– it may also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all contribute to more intense or irritating tinnitus. By grasping the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can substantially decrease distress and make your approaching flight much 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. Some individuals experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or exacerbated by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance issues.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might impact 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 detected by a medical professional using specialized listening equipment. Air travel can worsen symptoms for some people, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. The issue arises when the eustachian tubes, responsible for sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes may cause pressure differences to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the issue.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The stress of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.
In-flight techniques to alleviate ringing in the ears.
Taking a few basic actions can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, pick a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This location is generally calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the problem by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate 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: Consider taking 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 preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can reduce the probability of active pressure equalization.
Techniques for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Diversion is a potent tool for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and decrease your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your trip, be 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, think about wearing them during your flight – they can help restore a more natural hearing experience and potentially minimize the impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific suggestions, including individualized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Schedule an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.