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 boosted noise inside the airplane, fluctuations 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 measures, you can significantly decrease distress and make your upcoming flight a lot more pleasant.
What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation settings?
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent outside sound present. Some individuals experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.
Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health issue or underlying condition, including:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or worsen tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medicines: Certain medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying 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 person can hear, or as a sound that can be recognized by a medical specialist using specialized listening equipment. When flying, several factors can intensify the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.
Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a phrase used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muted hearing that frequently accompanies flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. Insufficient opening of these tubes may cause pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.
For individuals 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 magnify the problem.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.
- Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The abrupt shifts in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related stress, combined with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel tips for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By working a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can significantly reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can dramatically reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Opt for a tactical seating option: If possible, select a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near 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 more severe. Alternatively, consider utilizing plugs that are produced for regulating ear pressure during air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more efficiently.
- Use a Decongestant: Consider using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially preventing any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Remain Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these times can decrease the probability of active pressure equalization.
Techniques for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Refocusing one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy for coping with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety related to flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.
Before your trip, try to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Seek professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel
If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed evaluation can pinpoint the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, such as 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.