If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane may bring more than just excitement about your destination– it may also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all contribute to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next journey much more manageable.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. For some, it presents as a relentless ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medications: A number of drugs can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas may impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can worsen symptoms for some people, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. Inadequate opening of these tubes might cause pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
For individuals with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Loud jet engine sounds within the plane can be particularly irritating near the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and troublesome.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can substantially decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially decrease background engine noise, particularly 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 spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
- 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. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more effectively.
- Take a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
Techniques for staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Diversion is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Before your trip, aim to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce 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 minimize the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A thorough assessment can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Schedule an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.
