Flying & Tinnitus

[Veecat]

Hello Everyone - quick bit of advice please. Am flying soon, for the first time in years and for the first time since before the tinnitus started (which was 2018). Has anyone any experience of tinnitus symptoms being affected by take off and landing etc?! I'm feeling a tiny bit anxious about it tbh ... I already have some degree of "hyperacusis" - noise sensitivity ... Wonder if it'd help to wear ear plugs on the flight! Any thoughts most welcome and best wishes to all - many thanks - VeeCat x

[Suz_2]

hi - i would say it depends if yr T REACTS to noise ? My T is very reactive to even just general background noise like traffic, car travel, kitchen kettle etc etc so there's no way i could contemplate flying at present (or possibly ever again) which is a big big HIT to me as I normally fly once or twice per year. I would add that my T is quite severe case, from the start , which was sudden onset after head concussion and noise aggravation. Yes ear plugs or noise reduction plugs would be needed as a minimum

[Riverdale2021 in reply to Suz_2]

Well I can only speak from my own experiences. I have had tinnitus for over 20 years and have in the last couple of years had two noises to contend with.That’s another story.

I have travelled and flown extensively worldwide as I visit my daughter and family in Sydney every year and can honestly say I have had NO problems with increased noises of tinnitus.

In fact one of my daily tinnitus noises resembles a jet engine so flying actually decreases that sound for some reason.

Personally I would say maybe take some Kalm tablets which are herbal to help you feel a little relaxed before you travel and enjoy your holiday.

All pleasant distractions help to reduce tinnitus in my experience.

Good luck!

[Veecat in reply to Riverdale2021]

Thanks so much Riverdale 2021 - VeeCat.

[sun_1234 in reply to Suz_2]

I have same problem like you.

[Veecat in reply to Suz_2]

Hi Suz 26 - thank you so, so much for your helpful reply - best from VeeCat

[Happyrosie]

You've only had one reply, Veecat, so although I don't have hyperacusis I shall nevertheless put in my pennyworth!

The tinnitus sometimes (only sometimes) seems louder the next day, but probably because I'm tired as I don't sleep more than an hour even on a twelve-hour flight. But it soon fades back to normal intensity. But I put in earplugs (I think I got them from Specsavers)

[Veecat in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks so much for your helpful reply Happyrosie - Vee Cat

[Albax19]

So I've just done a 12 hour flight, and to be honest my T was overly bad during the flight, I tended to listen to some music or white noise through my ear pods, after a nights sleep it's gone back to the normal level, ( if there is such a thing) I'm sure we'll all react differently so I hope you do ok, try not to worry about it Good luck !!

[Veecat in reply to Albax19]

Thanks so much for your helpful reply Albax19

[Parrcj]

Hi I found the noise of the engines blocked out the T , I had no problem whatsoever.

Good luck 👍

[Veecat in reply to Parrcj]

Thanks so much for your helpful reply Parrcj

[Bluechatting]

Hello Veecat. I have had moderately intrusive tinnitus for over 10 years and flown quite a lot. I aso have hyperacusis (at high pitch sounds) and we are of similar age. I have not experienced an increase in symptoms during or after flight. However, there are a couple of things I try to do to be more comfortable (and confident about the flight):1. Try to get a seat in front of the engines. I find this reduces the noise and vibration experienced.

2. Suck on a sweet (candy) during the decent. This helps the air pressure within the ears equalise.

I hope the above helps.

[Veecat in reply to Bluechatting]

Thanks so much for your helpful reply Bluechatting - VeeCat

[Jtalbot]

Hello Veecat,I have had 24/7 tinnitus since 2014. I have never had any problems flying, including long haul to the States three times a year. In fact, it is the only time I do not notice my tinnitus.

[Veecat in reply to Jtalbot]

Thanks so much for your helpful reply Jtalbot - VeeCat

[Suz_2]

I would do a short TRAIN journey coz this is about same decibel level as plane , and see how yr T is after that - if it spikes then settles then u would think the same would happen on flight- airplanes are quieter on inside than outside coz of all the noise reduction features inside cabin. i know lots of people manage flights quite well but its not possible for me ( coz already very severe) - but theres lots of positive opinions on here - but it depends how severe and reactive yr T is already so really u have to go with yr instincts on whats best for you

[forest3]

Hi Veecat, I actually have the hypercauses (however it is spelled) so I carry earplugs with me all the time and of course use them on a plane. Sometimes I need to take them out once to adjust for the pressure change. I never hear what they are saying. I don't think I've missed anything important ! Good luck with the flight !

[wednesday]

I haven't flown for 3 years but I always found my tinnitus to be worse afterwards, then it would settle a bit only to get worse on my return flight. But try not to worry as I find it makes it worse. Have a great holiday.

[Taina65]

Hi Veecat,don‘t worry, I‘m a flight attendant with tinnitus for more than 15 years.

It‘s no difference than a journey by car or train.

Enjoy your trip and try to relax!

Many greetings from Germany.

[Bellyboo]

Hi V. My T spikes during aircraft travel and the day after but I think this is tiredness as even short haul is now so stressful! I fly long haul once a year and I’m quite stressed the day after but it calms down a little as time goes by. Good luck

[bantams]

Hi Veecat, Returned from Malaga yesterday and this was my tenth flight since sufferring from Tinnitus, I have no problems with my Tinnitus whilst flying and also I hardly hear my Tinnitus when on hoilday, I know we are all different and what works for one might not for others.Good Luck Alan

[surreycccfan]

Hi, Flying makes zero difference to my T, I always wear ear plugs (alpine) when flying. I think ear plugs for the journey could be good as long as this doesn't make you focus on your T and cause anxiety. As anxiety can sometimes cause a spike in T, I think its important to have some calming/grounding strategies prior to flying so you reduce any spike from anxiety (I use breathing and body scanning exercises as well as sound therapy distraction techniques). The BTA has some good tips (and reassurance) on their website tinnitus.org.uk/flying-and-...

Hope this helps in some small way. Stay safe

[Glynis-ringingears]

VeecatI have just got Back from Barbados my first time on a plane 9 hour flight each way.

I have Menieres and severe T in both ears and hearing loss.

I used Mt moulded vented ear plugs for take off and landing and no problems at all.

apart from my asthma oxygen dropped to 84 and struggled on return breathing.

Amazing time and would fly again on Longham flights with hospital support plan in place if not 3 hour flights ...have a great time ..

love Glynis