If you live with tinnitus, boarding a plane may bring more than just excitement about your destination—it may also come with concerns about worsening ear symptoms. The loud cabin noise, changing air pressure, and stress associated with air travel can all contribute to more intense or bothersome tinnitus. Fortunately, understanding how flying affects your ears and learning ways to prepare can make your next trip far more manageable.
What is tinnitus and why does it flare up in the air?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. For some, it presents as a persistent 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 an underlying issue such as:
- Inner Ear Damage: Exposure to loud noises or head trauma can damage the auditory system.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Fluid buildup and infections can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Ototoxic Medications: Certain drugs can harm the inner ear, leading to or aggravating symptoms.
- Benign Tumors: Growths like acoustic neuromas may impact hearing and balance.
Tinnitus may be subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (audible to a clinician through a stethoscope-like device). When flying, several factors can worsen the symptoms, making travel more uncomfortable for those affected.
Understanding airplane ear and its link to tinnitus
“Airplane ear” is a term used to describe the sensation of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing that often accompanies flying. It occurs when the eustachian tubes—which equalize pressure in the middle ear—struggle to adjust to altitude changes during ascent or descent. If these tubes don’t open efficiently, pressure imbalances can develop, leading to discomfort or even pain.
For people with tinnitus, this pressure imbalance can amplify their symptoms or introduce new ones. The added stress and sensory overload of a flight only compound the issue.
Why flying can aggravate tinnitus symptoms
Several elements of air travel may intensify tinnitus:
- Jet Engine Noise: High decibel levels inside the cabin, especially near the engines, can aggravate sensitivity in the ears and worsen tinnitus.
- Pressure Changes: During takeoff and landing, the rapid changes in cabin pressure can affect how the eardrum and surrounding structures vibrate, which may trigger or heighten tinnitus.
- Stress and Fatigue: The anxiety of travel, combined with poor sleep or dehydration, can increase your perception of tinnitus and make it feel more intrusive.
Travel tips for reducing tinnitus discomfort mid-flight
Taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward easing the strain on your ears during air travel:
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can significantly reduce ambient engine noise, especially during takeoff and landing. They also allow you to listen to calming music or white noise, which may mask tinnitus.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: If available, select a seat in the front of the aircraft, further from the engines. This location tends to be quieter and more conducive to a peaceful flight.
- Avoid Standard Earplugs: Though tempting, traditional earplugs may increase inner ear pressure, making symptoms worse. Instead, try ear pressure-regulating earplugs designed specifically for air travel.
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: These actions help keep the eustachian tubes open, allowing pressure to equalize more effectively.
- Take a Decongestant (If Approved by Your Doctor): If you’re battling nasal congestion or allergies, consider taking an oral or nasal decongestant prior to flying to prevent blockages in the eustachian tubes.
- Stay Awake for Takeoff and Landing: Being awake helps your body naturally regulate pressure. Sleeping during these moments can reduce the likelihood of active pressure equalization.
In-flight distractions and relaxation strategies
Distraction is a powerful tool for managing tinnitus. Bring entertainment options like audiobooks, soothing playlists, or puzzles to keep your focus elsewhere. Meditation apps and breathing exercises can also help ease flight-related anxiety and lessen your awareness of tinnitus.
Before your trip, aim to get quality rest and stay hydrated. Skipping caffeine or alcohol on travel day can also reduce ear-related symptoms. And if you wear hearing aids, don’t hesitate to use them on the plane—they may help you hear more naturally, reducing the dominance of the internal ringing or buzzing.
Seek professional advice if tinnitus interferes with travel
If tinnitus regularly makes flying uncomfortable, it’s worth consulting with an ENT or hearing specialist. A thorough evaluation can determine the root cause of your tinnitus and lead to targeted recommendations—including custom travel strategies or treatment options to manage flare-ups more effectively.
Find a local specialist to schedule an evaluation for your tinnitus symptoms.