Can Sunburn Make Tinnitus Worse?

But as the summer weather comes to warm us and we’re looking forward to sitting out in the sun, a common question remains: Can sunburn or prolonged sun exposure worsen those phantom noises?

I’ve seen several sunburned patients with tinnitus over the years, and it’s a connection that often surprises people!

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a perplexing condition. While commonly experienced, it is not a disease itself but a symptom indicating that something else is going on within your auditory system or body.

Tinnitus manifests as phantom noises in your ears without any external sound source. People report hearing a variety of sounds, such as ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling, or hissing.

Common causes include age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, or adverse reactions to certain medications. Although tinnitus isn’t life-threatening, it can be unsettling, affecting sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.

How Sunburn and Sun Exposure May Affect Tinnitus

While sunburn itself doesn’t cause tinnitus, it can intensify symptoms in those who already experience it.

If you deal with tinnitus and find that you forgot sunscreen after a day out in the sun, know what to expect. Here’s how sunburn and tinnitus interconnect:

• Inflammation: Sunburn can lead to significant inflammation, affecting different parts of the body and potentially affecting the delicate structures of the inner ear, worsening tinnitus.
• Physical Stress: The pain and stress associated with a bad sunburn can increase the feeling of tinnitus, making it seem louder and more intrusive.
• Dehydration: Exposure to high heat often results in dehydration, leading to reduced blood flow to the inner ear—this can heighten the intensity of tinnitus symptoms as well as contribute to an overall feeling of discomfort.
• Heat Exhaustion or Fatigue: When you’re pushed to the brink by too much heat, it can worsen various symptoms, including auditory disturbances like tinnitus.

It’s always advisable to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure, not only to prevent sunburn but also to potentially mitigate the aggravation of tinnitus symptoms.

When to Seek Help for Tinnitus

Monitoring how often and how intensely you experience tinnitus is vital.

Seek professional input from a hearing specialist if you notice any of the following:

• Tinnitus is constant or stays for more than a couple of weeks without a clear, temporary cause
• Tinnitus symptoms noticeably worsen after being outside in the sun
• Tinnitus begins to affect your daily life by interfering with activities, disturbing your sleep, or altering your mood
• An accompanying change in your hearing, ear pain, or symptoms of dizziness, which could be signs of a more serious underlying issue

Consulting with a professional can provide you with valuable insights and a potential treatment strategy that might include hearing assessments and the development of personalized treatment options.

Take Control of Your Hearing Health (and Don’t Forget Sunscreen!)

The warmth and brightness of sunshine can be invigorating for our mental health, but unprotected exposure can lead to more than just skin damage; it may also aggravate conditions like tinnitus.