For individuals who deal with tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight might exacerbate their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip jitters about reaching their final destination. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all add to more intense or irritating tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying affects your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next trip far more manageable.
What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. Some people experience a continuous ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden issue such as:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to excessive noise levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or worsen tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: Certain drugs 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 may be subjective (experienced 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
“Airplane ear” is a term used to describe the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. The problem arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of sustaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. Insufficient opening of these tubes might create pressure imbalances to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.
For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the issue.
Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Alterations: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might activate or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.
By putting a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can significantly decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly reduce background engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to calming music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
- Select a strategic seating choice: If possible, opt for a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to equalize more efficiently.
- 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 avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Techniques for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can decrease anxiety related to flying and decrease your awareness of 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. And if you use 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.
Consult with a specialist if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed evaluation can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, such as individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.
Arrange a consultation to assess your ringing in the ears symptoms now.