If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane may bring 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 associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next journey far 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 external sound present. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.

Tinnitus is often an indicator of a deeper health problem or hidden condition, including:

• Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
• Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid accumulation and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
• Ototoxic Medicines: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, resulting in or aggravating symptoms.
• Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may affect 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 specialist utilizing specialized listening devices. Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, resulting in a more stressful experience during flights.

Comprehending airplane ear and its link to tinnitus

The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted 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 efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.

People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.

Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms

Several elements of air travel may intensify tinnitus:

• Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
• Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt changes in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
• Stress and Fatigue: The stress of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.

Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight

Taking a few basic steps can go a long way toward relieving the strain on your ears during air travel:

• Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably decrease ambient 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.
• Choose Your Seat Carefully: If you can, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, away from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
• Steer Clear of Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the issue by putting added pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
• Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing regularly, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more effective balance of pressure.
• Use a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to prevent obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
• Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Sleeping during these times can reduce the probability of active pressure equalization.

In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies

Distraction is a powerful tool for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions including audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can reduce anxiety associated with flying and decrease your focus on tinnitus.

Before your flight, aim to get quality sleep and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help minimize symptoms associated with the ears. 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.

Talk with a professional if tinnitus affects your ability to travel

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

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