If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane may bring more than just excitement about your destination– it may also come with worries about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all contribute to more extreme or bothersome tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking practical steps, you can substantially decrease discomfort and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.

What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?

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

While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of an underlying issue such as:

• Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
• Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
• Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying symptoms.
• Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect both 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 professional using specialized listening devices. When flying, several variables can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.

Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus

The term “airplane ear” refers to the feeling of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. The issue occurs when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have trouble adjusting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes may cause pressure imbalances to arise, resulting in discomfort or pain.

For individuals with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or present new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can exacerbate the problem.

Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms

Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms because of various 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 sudden changes in air pressure that happen during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
• Travel-related stress, combined with inadequate rest or insufficient hydration, can exacerbate the sensation of tinnitus, making it seem more obvious and bothersome.

Travel suggestions for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight

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

• Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can substantially decrease background engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
• Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, pick a seat in the front of the aircraft, away from the engines. This location is typically calmer and better suited for a tranquil journey.
• Stay Clear Of Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Alternatively, consider utilizing plugs that are made for controling ear pressure during air travel.
• Chew Gum: To reduce discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more efficient balance of pressure.
• Use a Decongestant: Consider using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help alleviate nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
• Remain Alert During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adjust to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.

Strategies for remaining calm and entertained during a flight

Diversion 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. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related anxiety and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.

Before your flight, try to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they may help you hear more naturally, decreasing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.

Talk with a professional if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel

If tinnitus routinely makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth consulting with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can identify the hidden reason for your tinnitus and bring about specific suggestions, including individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.

Set up an assessment for your tinnitus symptoms today.