For people who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of stress, as the flight might exacerbate their ear discomfort, adding to the normal pre-trip jitters about getting to their final destination. The loud cabin noise, shifting air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all add to more extreme or bothersome tinnitus. Fortunately, understanding how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next journey far more manageable.

What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no existent outside sound present. Some people experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.

While tinnitus on its own isn’t a disease, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue including:

• Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or extended exposure to extreme sound levels can harm the fragile structures of the inner ear.
• Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
• Ototoxic Medicines: A number of drugs can harm the inner ear, resulting in or intensifying symptoms.
• Benign Tumors: Growths including acoustic neuromas may affect 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 specialist using specialized listening equipment. When flying, several factors can worsen the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those impacted.

Understanding airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus

“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that often accompanies flying. The problem occurs when the eustachian tubes, responsible for maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adapting to going up or down. Inadequate opening of these tubes might create pressure differences to arise, leading to 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 increase the issue.

How air travel can intensify tinnitus symptoms

Several elements of air travel may intensify tinnitus:

• Jet Engine Noise: High volume levels inside the cabin, particularly near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
• Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the quick changes in cabin pressure can impact how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may activate or heighten tinnitus.
• Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.

In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.

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

• Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably minimize the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the loud periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to relaxing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
• Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you can, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, away from the engines. This spot tends to be quieter and more conducive to a tranquil flight.
• Stay Clear Of Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs might increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms more severe. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
• Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more effectively.
• Use a Decongestant: Think about using a decongestant, either in oral or nasal form, before your flight if your doctor recommends it. This can help reduce nasal congestion and allergies, potentially avoiding any blockages in the eustachian tubes.
• Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.

In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions

Redirecting one’s attention can be a highly effective strategy 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.

Prior to your journey, be sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Steering clear of caffeine or alcohol on the day of travel may also help lessen symptoms related to the ears. And if you use hearing aids, don’t hesitate to wear them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.

Get professional advice if tinnitus disrupts travel

If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A thorough assessment can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and result in targeted advice– including custom travel strategies or treatment options to deal with flare-ups more effectively.

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