If you cope with tinnitus, boarding a plane might bring more than just enthusiasm about your destination– it might also come with worries about intensifying ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and tension associated with air travel can all add to more intense or irritating tinnitus. By grasping the effect of air travel on your ears and taking proactive measures, you can dramatically reduce discomfort and make your approaching 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 outside sound present. For some, it presents as a relentless ringing, while others may hear buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or static-like noise.

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

• Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can weaken the auditory system.
• Blockages or Infection: Tinnitus can be triggered or exacerbated by fluid accumulation and infections in the ears.
• Some medications can be ototoxic to the inner ear, causing or worsening hearing and balance problems.
• Benign Tumors: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that can affect both 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 worsen symptoms for some individuals, leading to a more distressing experience during flights.

Exploring the connection between airplane ear and tinnitus

“Airplane ear” is a term used to define the feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that frequently accompanies 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. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure discrepancies can develop, causing discomfort or even pain.

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

Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms

A number of elements of air travel may worsen tinnitus:

• Loud jet engine sounds inside of the plane can be particularly bothersome close to the engines, potentially aggravating sensitive ears and exacerbating existing ringing in the ears, or tinnitus.
• Changes in Air Pressure: The sudden shifts in air pressure that occur during flight takeoff and landing can interfere with the normal functioning of the eardrum and nearby tissues, possibly causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
• Stress and Exhaustion: The stress of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase your experience of tinnitus and cause it to feel more intrusive.

Travel tips for decreasing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight

By putting a few easy safeguards into your flight routine, you can significantly reduce the discomfort and pressure in your ears during air travel.

• Wearing noise-canceling headphones can greatly decrease the disruptive sounds of the plane’s engine, particularly during the loud periods of departure and arrival. You can also listen to relaxing music or white noise, which can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
• 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 relaxing journey.
• Avoid Basic Earplugs: Though tempting, conventional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. As an alternative, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs made specifically for air travel.
• Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open up, allowing pressure to neuturalize more effectively.
• Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re fighting nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking 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 manage pressure. Sleeping during these times can decrease the likelihood of active pressure adjustement.

Strategies for staying calm and entertained during a flight

Redirecting one’s attention can be a very effective approach for dealing with tinnitus. Bring entertainment alternatives like audiobooks, calming playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Practicing meditation using apps and engaging in breathing exercises can decrease anxiety associated with flying and decrease your awareness of tinnitus.

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

Consult with a specialist if tinnitus impacts your ability to travel

If you regularly experience discomfort while flying due to tinnitus, it is advisable to get advice from a professional in hearing health. A detailed evaluation can identify the underlying reason for your tinnitus and result in specific recommendations, such as individualized coping techniques or treatment plans, to better manage instances of increased symptoms.

Schedule an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms today.