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, fluctuations in air pressure, and the stress related to flying can all lead to a worsening or more bothersome experience of tinnitus. By perceiving the impact of air travel on your ears and taking proactive steps, you can dramatically reduce distress and make your upcoming flight much more enjoyable.

What is tinnitus and why does it surface in the air?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. Some people experience a constant ringing sound, while others hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static noises.

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

• Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud sounds or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
• Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can activate or exacerbate tinnitus.
• Certain medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, triggering or worsening hearing and balance issues.
• Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas might affect hearing and balance.

Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). Air travel can exacerbate symptoms for some people, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.

Exploring the link between airplane ear and tinnitus

The term “airplane ear” refers to the sensation of ears being full, under pressure, or experiencing dulled hearing when flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes– which regulate pressure in the middle ear– struggle 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.

People who have tinnitus might find that this pressure inconsistency worsens their existing symptoms or triggers additional ones. The additional stress and sensory overload of a flight only magnify the issue.

How air travel can intensify 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 aggravate sensitivity in the ears and exacerbate tinnitus.
• Shifts in Air Pressure: The sudden shifts in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the regular functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
• Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.

Travel suggestions for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight

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

• Make Use Of Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly decrease ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
• Choose Your Seat Carefully: If available, pick a seat in the front of the aircraft, away from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
• Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
• Chew Gum: To alleviate discomfort, try chewing gum or swallowing frequently, as these basic actions can help maintain the patency of the eustachian tubes, facilitating a more efficient balance of pressure.
• Use a Decongestant: Think about taking 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.
• Stay Awake during Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these times can reduce the probability of active pressure adjustement.

In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies

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

Before your flight, try to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also decrease ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane– they might help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.

Seek professional guidance if tinnitus disrupts travel

If tinnitus routinely makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth speaking with a hearing specialist. A detailed assessment can pinpoint the hidden reason for your tinnitus and result in specific suggestions, such as individualized coping strategies or treatment plans, to better control instances of increased symptoms.

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