Tinnitus presents as a persistent ringing, buzzing or clicking in the ears. Cold weather can intensify symptoms. Click here to read more about it!
You know that persistent ringing, buzzing, or clicking in your ears or head? That’s tinnitus. Some 740 million people around the world suffer from the same affliction.
Tinnitus occurs when you hear sounds that aren’t present, which can impact your quality of life. Tinnitus from cold weather may worsen the buzzing and ringing in the ears.
In this article, we’ll discuss tinnitus from cold weather. We’ll also give you some tips to help you manage it during the winter months.
Tinnitus is often described as hearing sounds when there’s no noise around you. It may present as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or even roaring sounds in the ears. This persistent noise can be distressing and affect concentration and sleep quality.
Tinnitus is usually associated with hearing loss. Other possible causes are ear infections and certain medications.
Most tinnitus sufferers are older adults, and men apparently suffer from this more than women. The symptoms can be temporary or lifelong.
When the temperature drops, people with tinnitus may notice increasing ringing and buzzing. Considering that cold weather causes various illnesses, from the common cold to respiratory infections, this can affect the inside of the ear. Remember how having a cold or flu affects your sense of taste and smell? The ears can become congested, too, leading to earwax buildup.
Lower temperatures can also cause tightening of the muscles and blood vessels in the body, increasing tinnitus symptoms. This also happens when depression and anxiety set in during the winter, when there’s little exposure to sunlight.
Cold temperatures can impact tinnitus in different ways. Some sufferers may experience irritability due to the more persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Others may find it more challenging to engage in social activity, as they struggle to focus or follow conversations with the internal noise. Low quality sleep can also be an issue, especially as the body attempts to conserve heat during the winter months.
These increased symptoms can make winter an especially challenging time for people with tinnitus.
Although there isn’t a cure for tinnitus, there are ways to bring yourself relief, particularly during cold weather. Here are some actions you can take:
Prevention is always better than cure. To minimize symptoms of tinnitus from cold weather, consider taking these following actions:
While tinnitus can be challenging, understanding how to manage tinnitus from cold weather is crucial. By being proactive and following the tips mentioned above, people with tinnitus can better navigate the winter months and potentially reduce the intensity of their symptoms.
Remember, prevention and self-care are key in managing tinnitus, especially during the winter. Stay warm, protect your ears, and seek support from health care professionals that specialize in tinnitus management. With the right approach, you can reclaim control over your life and decrease the symptoms of tinnitus from cold weather.