Can Sunburn Make Tinnitus Worse?

Living here in sunny Hawaii, you're well aware of the risks that come with prolonged sun exposure. But have you considered how sunburn might affect your hearing?

If you're one of the many who experience the constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds known as tinnitus, you might be curious: Can sunburn make tinnitus worse?

This unlikely connection is prevalent in the summer months—visiting your local audiologist is a wise step if these uninvited sounds seem amplified after a day in the sun.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the feeling of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It's a symptom, not a disease, and it indicates that something else is taking place within the auditory system or body.

Many describe tinnitus as hearing landscapes filled with phantom sounds like ringing, buzzing, or humming. Common causes include exposure to loud noises, earwax blockage, age-related hearing loss, or even certain medications.

Though it's not life-threatening, it can disrupt your quality of life, interfering with sleep, focus, and tranquility—as well as how you enjoy the beach with that ringing noise accompanying the ocean waves.

How Sunburn and Sun Exposure May Affect Tinnitus

While sunburn itself isn't a direct cause of tinnitus, there are a few different ways it can exacerbate symptoms for those who already experience this condition.

• Inflammation: Sunburn leads to inflammation, and this bodily response can inadvertently affect the delicate structures within your ears, potentially heightening tinnitus symptoms.

• Physical Stress: The stress and discomfort caused by a severe sunburn can make your symptoms feel more pronounced. When you're in pain or stressed, tinnitus can seem louder or more distracting.

• Dehydration: Often accompanying hot weather, dehydration reduces blood flow, including to your inner ear, which could worsen tinnitus.

• Heat Exhaustion or Fatigue: Being overly exposed to the sun can lead to heat exhaustion or fatigue, making auditory symptoms like tinnitus seem more intense.

When to Seek Help for Tinnitus

It's crucial to know when your symptoms call for professional attention.

Consider reaching out to an audiologist if your tinnitus:

• Is persistent or has been troublesome for more than a couple of weeks

• Worsens noticeably after you’ve been in the sun

• Impacts your daily activities, sleep patterns, or mood

• Is accompanied by additional symptoms, like hearing changes, ear pain, or dizziness

Hawaii Professional Audiology can help you navigate these challenges with comprehensive hearing evaluations and personalized treatment strategies, ensuring you receive the precise care and guidance necessary to manage tinnitus effectively.

Take Control of Your Hearing Health (and Wear Sunscreen!)

While nobody quite expects sunburn to worsen tinnitus, without proper protection from the sun, your preexisting tinnitus symptoms can worsen thanks to inflammation and other side effects of too much sun.

If you've noticed your tinnitus increasing after sun exposure, seeking professional care can make a substantial difference. Let our expert audiologists assess your symptoms and offer the support needed to restore your peace of mind.

Don't let the sun keep you from enjoying the sounds of life. Reach out today to discuss your hearing health and take proactive steps toward effective tinnitus management.