Can Sunburn Make Tinnitus Worse?

This isn't just your imagination; more sunlight, leading to potential sunburn, might be impacting your tinnitus symptoms.  

Tinnitus is the perception of sound—like ringing, buzzing, or hissing—that isn't externally present. Simply put, it's hearing sounds when no actual external noise exists.  

While it's a common issue, affecting millions worldwide, tinnitus isn't a disease. Instead, it's a symptom indicative of various conditions affecting your auditory system or other parts of your body. 

Although tinnitus itself isn't harmful, it can significantly affect your quality of life, disrupting sleep, concentration, and even emotional well-being. Fun in the sun shouldn’t be avoided, but understanding its potential impact on your auditory health is crucial.  

How Sunburn and Sun Exposure May Affect Tinnitus 

You might wonder how sunburn could relate to a condition that affects your hearing. We’ve had a few sunburned patients come to see us wondering the same thing! 

It's true that sunburn doesn't directly cause tinnitus, but it can certainly intensify the symptoms for those already experiencing it.  

Severe sunburn leads to widespread inflammation in the body. Inflammation isn't just about red skin – it can affect multiple body systems, including delicate inner ear structures that help in hearing, potentially leading to worsening tinnitus symptoms.

The pain and discomfort from sunburn can create physical stress, making tinnitus appear more audible and distracting. Your body's sense of balance and sound perception is often intertwined with your overall physical state, so stress across the board often heightens auditory symptoms. 

Prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate hydration can affect the blood flow to your inner ear. Dehydration is a known factor that can worsen tinnitus by reducing the fluid base that aids auditory processes. 

Prolonged sun exposure often results in heat fatigue, taxing your body to the point where tinnitus may feel more pronounced. The body's resources prioritize cooling and recovery over less critical functions, which can accentuate phantom sounds. 

When to Seek Help for Tinnitus 

Deciding when to seek professional help for tinnitus can be challenging, but it’s important to know when your tinnitus could be more serious.  

Here's when a specialized tinnitus consultation might be beneficial: 

Our team of expert hearing healthcare providers can offer evaluations and create personalized strategies that might include hearing aids, sound therapy, and counseling, tailored to manage and mitigate your tinnitus symptoms. 

Don’t Forget Sunscreen This Summer! 

While there's no denying the sun’s pleasant appeal, remember it can affect more than just your skin health.

Tinnitus can worsen under high sun exposure without proper precautions, emphasizing the importance of sun protection.  

Should you notice changes in your tinnitus after a day in the sun, prioritize reaching out to us for a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation.  

Let’s work together toward better hearing health, ensuring that your summer remains both sound and sun-soaked.