If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane might cause more than just excitement about your destination– it may also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all add to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can considerably decrease discomfort and make your upcoming flight a lot more enjoyable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme sound levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medications: A number of drugs can harm the inner ear, leading to or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can impact 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 specialist using specialized listening equipment. Air travel can worsen symptoms for some individuals, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing while flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adjust to altitude changes during ascent or descent. If these tubes fail to open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel may intensify tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine noise inside of the aircraft can be especially irritating near the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.
In-flight strategies to alleviate ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially decrease ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the problem by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Alternatively, think about utilizing plugs that are produced for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more effectively.
- Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid 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 adjustement.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Refocusing one’s attention can be a highly effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related stress and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your trip, try to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Talk with a professional if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A comprehensive evaluation can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.