If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it may 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 intense or irritating tinnitus. Luckily, recognizing how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.

What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no actual outside sound present. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like sounds.

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

• Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to excessive sound levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
• Obstructions or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
• Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying symptoms.
• Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may impact 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 detected by a medical professional using specialized listening equipment. When flying, several factors can intensify the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those impacted.

Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus

The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. The issue arises when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have trouble adjusting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes may create pressure differences to arise, resulting in 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 increase the issue.

How air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms

Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms because of several factors.

• Loud jet engine noise within the plane can be particularly irritating near the engines, potentially irritating sensitive ears and intensifying existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
• Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which might trigger or heighten tinnitus.
• Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more disruptive.

In-flight strategies to reduce ringing in the ears.

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

• Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially reduce background engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to calming music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
• Opt for a tactical seating choice: If possible, opt for a seat towards the front of the plane rather than near the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
• Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
• Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more efficiently.
• Take a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, think about taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to prevent obstructions 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

Diversion is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with stimulating distractions including audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related stress and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.

Prior to your trip, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. If you depend on hearing aids, think about using them during your flight – they can help recover a more natural hearing experience and potentially minimize the effect of any internal ringing or buzzing sounds.

Seek professional guidance if tinnitus interferes with travel

If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A thorough assessment can identify the root cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel solutions or treatment options to manage flare-ups more successfully.

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