For people who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight might intensify their ear discomfort, adding to the usual pre-trip anxieties about getting to their final destination. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all add to more extreme or bothersome tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next journey much more manageable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up 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.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: A number of medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in 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 detected by a medical professional using specialized listening equipment. When flying, a number of variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those impacted.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to 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 regulate pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adapt to altitude changes during ascent or descent. Inadequate opening of these tubes might create pressure differences to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
For individuals who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or present new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related stress, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel tips for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few simple actions can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Using noise-canceling headphones can greatly decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Opt for a tactical seating choice: If possible, opt for a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This location is generally calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially intensify the problem by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Alternatively, think about using plugs that are produced for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
- Use a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.
Techniques for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. If you depend 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.
Get professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel
If you frequently experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional in hearing health. A comprehensive assessment can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.