If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might cause more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and stress related to air travel can all add to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can significantly reduce discomfort and make your upcoming flight a lot more pleasant.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. Some people experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static 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 extended exposure to extreme noise levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation 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: Growths like acoustic neuromas might affect hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may 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 individuals, leading to a more stressful experience during flights.
Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” describes the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing while flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure imbalances 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 added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.
How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.
- Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be especially irritating close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid shifts in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
In-flight techniques to alleviate ringing in the ears.
Taking a few simple actions can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. 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 feasible, select a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Alternatively, think about utilizing plugs that are made for controling ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
- Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid obstructions 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 adjustement.
In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions
Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related anxiety and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping 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 impact of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.
Talk with a professional if tinnitus affects your ability to travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A thorough evaluation can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted advice– 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.