If you cope with tinnitus, going on a plane may cause more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The boosted noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the anxiety associated with flying can all lead to a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical measures, you can substantially decrease discomfort and make your approaching flight a lot more pleasant.
What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. For some, it presents as a persistent ringing, while other people may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.
Tinnitus is frequently a warning sign of a deeper health problem or underlying condition, including:
- Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to excessive noise levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medications: 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 could be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, a number of variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Comprehending airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
The term “airplane ear” refers to the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing muted hearing when flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– working to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
Individuals experiencing tinnitus may find that this pressure discrepancy worsens their existing symptoms or triggers new ones. The anxiety and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.
How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms
A number of elements of air travel might worsen tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
- Changes in Air Pressure: The abrupt shifts in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
- Travel-related anxiety, coupled with not enough rest or insufficient hydration, can intensify the experience of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.
Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
By putting a few easy precautions into your flight routine, you can significantly decrease the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.
- Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to calming music or white noise, which can mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, select a seat in the front of the plane, away from the engines. This area is generally calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
- Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly exacerbate the issue by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, worsening existing symptoms. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these simple actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
- Take a Decongestant (If Authorized by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.
Techniques for staying calm and entertained during a flight
Distraction is a potent tool for managing tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions such as audiobooks, calming music, or brain teasers to shift your attention away. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can decrease anxiety related to flying and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. If you depend on hearing aids, think about wearing them during your flight – they can help restore 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 routinely makes flying unpleasant, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A thorough assessment can determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted recommendations– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Set up an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.