If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane may bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can significantly reduce distress and make your approaching flight a lot more enjoyable.

What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation settings?

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 on its own isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of a hidden issue including:

• Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
• Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
• Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance problems.
• Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might affect 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 link between airplane ear and tinnitus

The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.

People experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure inconsistency exacerbates their existing symptoms or activates new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.

Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms

Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.

• Loud jet engine noise inside of the plane can be particularly 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 changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
• Travel-related anxiety, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.

Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight

By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can substantially decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.

• Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially reduce background engine noise, particularly during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
• Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
• Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
• Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: 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 battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to avoid blockages in the eustachian tubes.
• Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these times can decrease the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.

Strategies for remaining calm 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 attention elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and doing breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and decrease your awareness of tinnitus.

Before your trip, aim to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. 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 advice if tinnitus interferes with travel

If tinnitus routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific suggestions, including individualized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.

Arrange a consultation to evaluate your ringing in the ears symptoms now.