I’m flying this week. Any tips please re: tinnitus

[EarHealth2024]

thank you

[Happyrosie]

yes - comprehensive information on the website of Tinnitus UK.

I find that, because of the noise of the aircraft, I can’t hear the tinnitus whilst flying - so it comes back with a vengeance after one is home and relaxing. But this increase in volume wears off

[EarHealth2024 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Morning folks.

Further to Rosie's suggestion, this page - tinnitus.org.uk/understandi... - has our guide to flying and T.

The prevailing opinion is that the only people who may actively need to be mindful about potential issues are folks whose tinnitus stems from eardrum perforations, and that would be more immediately connected to air pressure and how the ear responds to it in that scenario.

For the most part, people shouldn't have too many problems with flying. I hear lots of people concerned about the prospect of flying and few, if any, reports of issues with their flights causing T difficulties.

[EarHealth2024 in reply to TinnitusUKPat]

Thank you - I did check with my ENT doctor and he told me ‘ all fine’ just try to sit away from the engines. I’ll let the group know how I get on. I won’t let this tinnitus trap me

[bantams]

I find the engine noise helps to put my T in the background and never had any problems with my T when flying.

[EarHealth2024 in reply to bantams]

Thank you so much 💐

[Stubble]

I always wear noise cancelling headphones - it makes for a much more comfortable experience...

[Bbcoach]

I was flying for the first time about a month ago for the first time since developing my tinnitus in 2022. I was concerned so I called my GP. He suggested using a saline spray (over the counter) for several days before the flight to help keep eustachian tubes open. He also prescribed a mild sedative to help with any anxiety. After some research I purchased some "EarPlanes" earplugs to use during takeoff and landing. All of the above seemed to work fine for me and I didn't notice any increase in my tinnitus or any buildup in ear pressure. Don't know if this helps and I wish you the best.

[Katyjim2]

I was told by my doctor to use a decongestant spray an hour before flying to keep tubes open and suck a fishermen’s friend . I also use Ear Planes for take off and landing to keep ear pressure stable and try to sit in front of the engines which is the quietest part of the plane . All this works great for me .

[Kellythecat-74]

Bbcoach and Katyjim2 suggested "earplanes" . I use those every time I fly ( at least the last 15 years) and they stop my eustachian tubes blocking up. Can be a bit uncomfortable sometimes but do keep them in for take- off and when starting to descend for landing. You wont be able to hear any announcements whilst they are in. You can take them out once reaching cruising height. I often keep mine in for short flights. You wont notice T whilst in the air , because of the engine noise . Maybe use the saline spray as your doctor suggested and the "earplanes" on the flight. Enjoy your holiday.

[EarHealth2024]

Hi all, so just to let you know about my flight with T

I felt relief from flying, no problems and didn’t notice T, even on descent and afterwards.

It has actuallly shown me that I don’t have to let it control my life It’s the same as before but I tolerate it I’m going to try hearing aids