Millions with common condition warned it could get worse this week

A health expert has issued a warning about a common health condition that could worsen this week due to changing weather conditions. Tinnitus, which affects around 7.6 million people or approximately 13% of the UK population, is often characterised by hearing internal ringing or hissing sounds.

The shift to colder weather can exacerbate symptoms such as ringing ears. While it's not usually serious and may improve on its own, the NHS advises.

Today (Nov 22), the Met Office has issued multiple snow and ice warnings across large parts of the country, with further disruption expected over the weekend due to Storm Bert. Hannah Samuels, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, explains how cold weather can affect tinnitus and offers three tips for managing it during winter.

This comes as Google searches for "ringing ears causes" have risen by 12% in the last week and 62% in the last month. Hannah explains: "One of the most significant weather-related factors on tinnitus is fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, particularly low-pressure, which often occurs before a storm. This can lead to inner ear disturbances, with sufferers often reporting heightened symptoms."

"When the pressure drops, the air becomes less dense, which can affect the fluid levels in the inner ear, sometimes resulting in increased pressure on the eardrum and changes in blood flow to the auditory system," Hannah explains. She continues, sharing that "Dips in temperature can also influence the severity of tinnitus. Exostosis, or the formation of bone spurs, often termed 'surfer's ear' due to its prevalence among those in cold-weather environments, can contribute to tinnitus as it restricts the transmission of sound through the ear.", reports the Mirror.

Hannah adds on how wind and allergies may impact the condition: "Strong winds have been known to cause changes in ear pressure which in turn can increase the intensity of tinnitus. Additionally, those who suffer with tinnitus and allergy issues, such as dust mites, may suffer more in the autumn and winter months as a result of spending more time indoors."

To manage tinnitus when the weather is harsh, Hannah offers some advice. First, to keep ears moisturised, she suggests: "Cold air and wind can be really tough on our ears and dry out our skin, even in the ear canal. This has the potential to cause irritation and discomfort, in turn making tinnitus symptoms worse. Using ear drops is a simple but effective way to moisturise your ears and provide some relief."

And secondly, she recommends using background noise. Hannah said: "Unpleasant ringing and buzzing is a common symptom of tinnitus, which can be exacerbated by poor weather. Listening to soothing music and sounds like white noise is an effective technique for those suffering from tinnitus.

"This is because doing so allows you to take your mind to an external sound, tuning out from the tinnitus and shifting your focus elsewhere - you can find white noise playlists on sites like YouTube or music streaming apps."

Following her advice on protection, Hannah added: "Loud noises can be bothersome for those with tinnitus, especially if already experiencing discomfort due to a change in weather. Having earplugs at hand to protect yourself when in noisy places may be able to provide some relief."

Additionally, she recommends: "To prevent your ears from getting too cold, consider wearing earmuffs or a hat that is big enough to cover your ears. This is especially helpful if you're prone to sensitivity around cold winds."

For individuals dealing with tinnitus, Hannah underlines the importance of consulting a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment. For further information or to book a free hearing test, please visit www.bootshearingcare.com.