As the UK braces itself for a heatwave, it's important to be aware of the potential health risks that come with hot weather. While sunburn is a common concern, an expert has highlighted a lesser-known consequence of not protecting yourself in the sun: ear health issues.
Ear Health at Risk During Heatwave
Extremely high temperatures can have a detrimental effect on your ear health, so with a heatwave predicted over the coming days, it's more vital than ever to stay safe and protected. Kayleigh Waters, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, is highlighting some of the unexpected consequences that can arise if your ears aren't shielded during hot weather.
Sunburn and Tinnitus
Kayleigh explained: "While sunburn is primarily a skin issue, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer, it can also exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus. This is because intense sun exposure often leads to inflammation, which is known for worsening tinnitus. Not only this, but sunburn can cause physical stress and dehydration, both of which are factors that can lead to heightened tinnitus symptoms."
To prevent any tinnitus flare-ups, Kayleigh advises wearing and reapplying SPF, avoiding lengthy periods in direct and intense sunlight, and covering up with wide-brimmed hats and appropriate clothing.
Dehydration and Ear Health
Dehydration is a further concern that can affect your ears and is considerably more prevalent during spells of high temperatures. A lack of adequate fluid intake can result in dehydration, which impacts numerous bodily functions, including those of the inner ear.
Kayleigh says: "The inner ear relies on fluid to support both hearing and balance. When the body becomes dehydrated, it can disrupt this fluid balance, potentially leading to symptoms such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, a feeling of fullness, and even muffled hearing. In hot weather, we lose more fluids through sweat, so it's especially important to stay topped up."
While the NHS advises drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid a day, this should ideally increase to 8-10 glasses during warmer periods to help prevent dehydration and protect your ear health.
Swimmer's Ear
As temperatures soar, you might find yourself heading to your local lido, swimming pool, or perhaps taking a dip in the sea. It's crucial to be mindful of any issues that could crop up after a swim, so you can take the appropriate precautions.
Kayleigh says: "As ear wax is water repellent, having water in your ear isn't too much of a problem health-wise, and will usually end up trickling out on its own. However, issues can arise when the water doesn't find its own way out, and infections such as swimmer's ear develop, which can lead to much more serious ear infections."
"Having water trapped in your ear canal can also be an uncomfortable experience, with symptoms including tingling, a feeling of fullness in the ear canal, muffled hearing and even partial or total hearing loss."
If you develop any of the symptoms of swimmer's ear, such as pain, itching, redness or swelling, speak to your doctor about treatment options.
