If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane may cause more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with worries about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all add to more extreme or irritating tinnitus. By perceiving the effect of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can dramatically reduce discomfort 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 external sound present. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others perceive buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.

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

• Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
• Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
• Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or aggravating hearing and balance issues.
• Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas might affect hearing and balance.

Tinnitus may be subjective (experienced only by the patient) or objective (audible to a specialist through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.

Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus

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

People experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy exacerbates their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the issue.

Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms

A number of elements of air travel might intensify tinnitus:

• Loud jet engine noise within the plane can be especially irritating near the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
• Changes in Air Pressure: The sudden 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 anxiety, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more pronounced and bothersome.

Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight

By working a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can significantly decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.

• Wearing noise-canceling headphones can greatly decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the loud periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help conceal the ringing in your ears.
• Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, select a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
• Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
• Chew Gum or Swallow Regularly: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
• Use a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
• Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these moments can decrease the probability of active pressure adjustement.

Techniques for remaining relaxed and entertained during a flight

Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective strategy for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related anxiety and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.

Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.

Get professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel

If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A thorough evaluation can determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.

Schedule an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.