Tinnitus, or the phantom noise in your ears without a source, has often been associated with a few different causes: stress, hearing loss, and…sunburn?
As the weather starts to warm up here in Texas, it’s important to have sunscreen ready for the long spring and summer days in particular.
While it’s not technically a direct cause of tinnitus, sunburn and intense sun exposure can worsen your current tinnitus symptoms and contribute to worsening them if you already deal with it.
Personalized tinnitus treatment can help address your symptoms and provide tailor-made management techniques so you can enjoy the sunshine without that fluttering or ringing in your ears.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is when you hear a sound in your ears or head that doesn’t have an external source. It can range from faint ringing or buzzing to a louder whooshing or whistling sound that can disrupt sleep and focus.
While tinnitus is often thought of as a condition in itself, it is instead a symptom of something else going on in your ears or body, including hearing loss, earwax buildup, medication side effects, or exposure to loud noise damaging your ears.
Tinnitus is harmless, but it can have a severe impact on your quality of life and mental health if left untreated.
Can a Sunburn Cause Tinnitus?
A sunburn cannot directly cause tinnitus, but it can contribute to your current symptoms in a few different ways.
Sun exposure over a long period of time can lead to inflammation that can affect the delicate inner ear, which could trigger tinnitus. If your outer ears get sunburned and inflamed, your tinnitus might become more noticeable as a result.
Sunburns can cause stress and fatigue, which can both worsen tinnitus and make it feel more noticeable. Dehydration and heatstroke can also exacerbate tinnitus due to a reduced blood flow to the inner ear.
If you’re looking forward to spending some time in the sun soon, we encourage you to take good care of your ears with sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and staying hydrated!
When to Seek Help for Tinnitus
If your tinnitus is persistent (lasting a few weeks at a time versus days) or noticeable after a long day in the sun, you can rest assured that our tinnitus management services will be able to help you out.
With comprehensive screenings, personalized treatment options, and more, we’ll work with you to build a treatment journey that has you at the helm of every decision. Whether you need help addressing underlying conditions, treating tinnitus, or something else to do with your ear health, we’re here to help, every step of the way.
For more information about tinnitus treatment or to get in touch with a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our website or by giving us a call at (936) 632-2252. With locations across Texas, our team is here to help, every step of the way!
