For people who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight may intensify their ear discomfort, enhancing the normal pre-trip jitters about getting to their final destination. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all add to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. By grasping the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can significantly decrease distress and make your upcoming flight much more pleasant.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. Some people experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance problems.
- Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas might impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus could be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, several variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing while flying. The issue occurs when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. If these tubes don’t open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the quick shifts in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can dramatically decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can dramatically reduce background engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to calming music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a strategic seating choice: If possible, select a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This location is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, consider utilizing plugs that are made for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Authorized 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 for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Sleeping during these times can decrease the probability of active pressure equalization.
Strategies for staying relaxed and entertained during a flight
Diversion is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with 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 advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more effectively.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.