Travel is an adventure filled with new sights, sounds, and cultures. From exploring new countries to relaxing on remote beaches, every journey offers surprises. The thrill of discovery, meeting new people, and experiencing different ways of life make travel exhilarating. Each trip creates unforgettable memories and broadens your perspective.
However, travel also means taking yourself out of your comfort zone and embracing the unpredictable. From flying to walking in loud, busy places, travel can also come with risks to your hearing.
When you’re traveling, the risks to your hearing are primarily from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and hearing loss caused by an ear infection.
Earplugs: Ear Protection Anywhere
If you’re concerned about your hearing health while traveling, talk to an audiologist before your next trip. Audiology clinics like Toronto Hearing Consultants do more than just test your hearing. They can also provide custom earplugs for noise, sleep, swimming, or even for musicians.
Earplugs are an easy thing to pick up at a drug store or big box store, and off-the-shelf earplugs provide some protection from very loud noises. However, custom earplugs are fitted for your ears, improving retention and the effectiveness with which they attenuate noise.
What does the process look like? An audiologist takes an impression of your ear which is used in the manufacturing of the ear plug. This gives the plug a tighter fit, better protecting your hearing from loud noises and damage to your auditory system.
Keeping earplugs on your person when you travel can help you navigate busy city streets and go on your next adventure without having to worry about your ears.
How to Protect Your Ears While Flying
Flying can be a major concern when it comes to your ears because of a condition known as airplane ear. Airplane ear (also known as ear barotrauma) is the stress placed on your ear due to the difference in pressure between your middle year and the air pressure in the environment. Airplane ear frequently happens when the plane takes off or begins to descend.
Airplane ear can turn into an infection in some cases. Usually, airplane ear goes away on its own, but it can cause fluid to build up in your middle ear, leading to an infection. Those trapped fluids become an opportunity for bacteria growth, leading to an infection and requiring medical treatment. Untreated ear infections can turn into permanent hearing loss.
These tips can help you manage airplane ear:
- Chew Gum or Swallow Frequently: Chewing gum, sucking on candy, or swallowing helps activate the Eustachian tubes, equalizing pressure in your ears.
- Use the Valsalva Maneuver: Gently pinch your nose, close your mouth, and blow softly to help open blocked ear passages.
- Try Earplugs or Nasal Sprays: Specialized earplugs regulate pressure changes, while nasal decongestant sprays reduce congestion, making equalization easier.
Other tips for protecting your ears while flying include wearing noise-canceling headphones to protect your ears from the sounds of the plane and making sure that you sit further away from the engine.
Embrace travel knowing that your ears are protected!