If you live with tinnitus, going on a plane may bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may also come with concerns about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all contribute to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. Fortunately, understanding how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.

What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?

Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. For some people, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.

While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:

• Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
• Ear Infections or Obstructions: Fluid accumulation and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
• Ototoxic Medicines: A number of drugs can harm the inner ear, leading to or aggravating symptoms.
• Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect both 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 exacerbate symptoms for some individuals, resulting in a more distressing experience during flights.

Comprehending airplane ear and its link to tinnitus

The term “airplane ear” describes the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adapt to altitude changes during take of and landing. Insufficient opening of these tubes may cause pressure differences to arise, leading to discomfort or pain.

For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or present new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.

Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms

Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.

• Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
• Changes 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, potentially causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
• Travel-related stress, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and troublesome.

In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.

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

• Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can considerably decrease ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
• Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, pick a seat in the front of the aircraft, away from the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
• Stay Clear Of Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
• Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
• Use a Decongestant: Consider using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your physician advises it. This can help reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
• Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally manage pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.

In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions

Refocusing one’s attention can be a very effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.

Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you rely on hearing aids, think about wearing 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.

Seek professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel

If you frequently experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is recommended to get advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed evaluation can identify the underlying reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific recommendations, including personalized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.

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