Protecting Ears During Flying
Flying can be a great way to travel, but it can also be tough on your ears. Between the loud engine noise, changes in air pressure, and noisy passengers, it's essential to take steps to protect your hearing while in the air. Here are five tips to help prevent perforated eardrums and protect your ears while flying.
Choose the Quietest Part of the Plane A recent study by Airbus found that the back of the plane is typically louder than the front, as you're closer to the jet engines or propellers. If you have a window seat, no matter where you are on the plane, you'll also be exposed to more noise. To minimize your exposure to noise, try to book seats in the middle or front of the aircraft and near the aisle.
Wear Ear Protection The noise level of a plane taking off can reach over 120 decibels, which can cause damage to your hearing. Wearing ear protection, such as custom earplugs, can help reduce the risk of hearing damage. This is especially important for long flights, as the noise can last for several hours.
Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones Noise-cancelling headphones are a great way to protect your ears when flying. They work by using a microphone to detect noise and electronics to cancel it out, while also providing high-quality audio. They can also help to reduce the noise from noisy passengers, making your flight more comfortable.
Yawn, Swallow and Chew The popping of your ears during a flight can cause ear barotrauma, which can damage your hearing. To prevent this, try to equalize the pressure in your ears by chewing food or gum, swallowing, or yawning. You can also try the Valsalva maneuver, which involves holding your nose and gently blowing, to help prevent your ears from popping.
Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of fluids during a flight can help you feel better, as the pressurized air in the cabin has less oxygen than the air on the ground. The act of swallowing can also help equalize the pressure in your ears.
By following these tips, you can help protect your ears and prevent perforated eardrums when flying. If you're experiencing hearing problems after a flight or for any other reason, our audiologists are here to help. Book a hearing loss treatment consultation with us today.