How to Prevent Tinnitus from Flaring up While Flying

Woman sitting in airplane seat with headphones on.

If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might cause more than just excitement about your destination– it might also come with worries about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension related to air travel can all add to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. Fortunately, recognizing how flying affects your ears and discovering ways to prepare can make your next trip much more manageable.

What causes tinnitus to intensify in high-elevation settings?

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

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

  • Hearing Loss: Traumatic head injuries or prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear.
  • Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be activated or intensified by fluid build-up and infections in the ears.
  • Ototoxic Medicines: A number of medications can harm the inner ear, leading to or aggravating symptoms.
  • Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might 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 utilizing specialized listening equipment. When flying, several variables can intensify the symptoms, making travel more unpleasant for those affected.

Comprehending airplane ear and its connection to tinnitus

The term “airplane ear” refers to the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. It happens when the eustachian tubes– which equalize pressure in the middle ear– struggle to adjust to altitude changes during take of and landing. Inadequate opening of these tubes may create pressure imbalances to arise, leading to discomfort or 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 exacerbate the problem.

Why flying can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms

Air travel can worsen tinnitus symptoms due to several factors.

  • Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can intensify sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
  • Shifts in Air Pressure: The abrupt shifts in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can disrupt the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
  • Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.

Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight

Taking a few basic actions can go a long way toward relieving 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, pick a seat in the front of the plane, further from the engines. This area is typically calmer and better suited for a relaxing journey.
  • Steer Clear of Standard Earplugs: These types of earplugs can possibly intensify the problem by putting added 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 regularly, as these basic actions can help sustain the patency of the eustachian tubes, promoting a more effective balance of pressure.
  • Use a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider using an oral or nasal decongestant before flying to avoid obstructions in the eustachian tubes.
  • Remain Awake During Ascent and Descent: Staying awake allows your body to naturally adapt to air pressure changes. Sleeping during these moments can decrease the probability of active pressure equalization.

Techniques for staying calm and entertained during a flight

Diversion is a potent tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your attention elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related stress and reduce your awareness of tinnitus.

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

Talk with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel

If you regularly experience discomfort while flying because of tinnitus, it is recommended to get advice from a specialist in hearing health. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific recommendations, such as personalized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.

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

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

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