For individuals who experience tinnitus, air travel can be a source of anxiety, as the flight may exacerbate their ear discomfort, enhancing the usual pre-trip anxieties about reaching their final destination. The increased noise inside the airplane, variations in air pressure, and the stress associated with flying can all result in a worsening or more disturbing experience of tinnitus. Luckily, understanding how flying impacts your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.

What causes tinnitus to worsen in high-elevation environments?

Tinnitus is the apprehension of sound without any external source. Some individuals experience a continuous ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static sounds.

While tinnitus itself isn’t a disease, it’s frequently a symptom of a hidden health concerns such as:

• Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
• Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
• Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance problems.
• Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas may affect 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 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 sensation of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that often accompanies flying. The issue occurs when the eustachian tubes, in charge of maintaining ear pressure, have difficulty adjusting to going up or down. If these tubes fail to open effectively, pressure discrepancies can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.

For people who cope with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can intensify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The stress and sensory stimulation of air travel can increase the issue.

Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms

Air travel can aggravate tinnitus symptoms because of various factors.

• Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially 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 normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, potentially causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
• Stress and Exhaustion: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and cause it to feel more disruptive.

In-flight techniques to reduce ringing in the ears.

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

• Using noise-canceling headphones can considerably decrease the distracting sounds of the plane’s engine, especially during the noisy periods of departure and arrival. They also allow you to listen to soothing music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
• Select a tactical seating option: If feasible, go with a seat towards the front of the plane instead of near the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
• Stay Away From Conventional Earplugs: These types of earplugs can potentially exacerbate the problem by putting additional pressure on the inner ear, aggravating existing symptoms. Alternatively, think about utilizing plugs that are made for regulating 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 effective balance of pressure.
• Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, think about using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
• Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Resting at these times may decrease the chances of achieving proper pressure balance.

In-flight distractions and relaxation solutions

Distraction is a potent tool for dealing with tinnitus. Consider diverting your attention with engaging distractions such as audiobooks, comforting music, or brain teasers to shift your focus away. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help alleviate flight-related stress and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.

Prior to your journey, make sure to rest well and stay hydrated. Skipping 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 might help you hear more naturally, decreasing the prominence of the internal ringing or buzzing.

Consult with a professional if tinnitus affects your ability to travel

If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist in hearing health. A comprehensive assessment can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to 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.