Our ears do some interesting, sometimes uncomfortable things while flying on an airplane, and if you suffer from tinnitus, you might be wondering how air travel might affect the ringing in your ears. Let’s examine why air travel can be hard for tinnitus sufferers, as well as explore some steps you can take to help minimize your symptoms next time you travel.
Does Air Travel Worsen Tinnitus?
The answer to this is: it depends. For some people, tinnitus is wholly unaffected by flying. Others, however, find that flying exacerbates the ringing and makes traveling miserable. Here are some of the aspects of air travel that can have an effect on tinnitus:
- Airplane ear. Ear barotrauma, also called “airplane ear,” is the discomfort and other symptoms we may experience when there are sudden changes in air or water pressure, such as when taking off or landing in an airplane. This can cause ear fullness or pressure, muffled hearing, ear popping, moderate to intense ear pain and, for some, tinnitus.
- Airplane engine noise. High volume levels inside the plane, particularly if you’re sitting near the engine, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Stress and fatigue. Both stress and fatigue are well-known triggers of tinnitus, and the anxiety of travel, combined with lack of sleep or dehydration, can increase tinnitus symptoms.
- Salty or sugary food. Foods high in salt or sugar have been known to cause tinnitus spikes in some people. Air travel food options are usually limited to junk food at the airport and overly salty in-flight meals, which could be a problem if these foods cause spikes for you.
- Boredom. Flying means sitting in one place for a long time, often for hours. When your brain is under-stimulated (such as when you’re bored), it may turn its attention to tinnitus and make it appear louder or more intense.
Strategies for Managing Tinnitus While Flying
Here are some techniques that might help reduce ear ringing while you fly.
- Wear noise-canceling headphones. These can block the sounds of the airplane engine, as well as allow you to listen to any sound masking or acoustic therapy programs you may have. You may find these especially helpful during takeoff and landing.
- Avoid basic earplugs. While hearing protection is generally useful, earplugs can actually be detrimental while flying, as they put additional pressure on the ear. Instead, use aviation earplugs that equalize pressure between the ear and the outside world while still blocking loud noise.
- Bring distractions. You probably already have a good book, playlist, movie or puzzle book in your carry-on bag to pass the time, but bringing a distraction on the flight can be extra helpful as it can relax you if you’re feeling stressed and pull your focus away from tinnitus, relegating it to the background if not tuning it out entirely.
- Bring your own food. Avoid salty and sugary food by bringing a bagged lunch and snacks from home.
- Chew gum. Working your jaw can help the mechanisms inside your ear equalize pressure during takeoff and landing. Chewing gum, yawning, sucking on hard candy or taking a decongestant before your flight can all help with this.
- Choose a seat far away from the engines. The engine noise will be louder the closer you are to the engines. Try to select an aisle seat towards the front of the plane.
When to Seek Help
16 million people seek medical attention for tinnitus every year. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some incredibly effective professional tinnitus management strategies out there. Talk to your doctor or a hearing health professional to learn more.