A heatwave has swept the UK this week, and it’s safe to say that British summertime is in full swing. With the joys of summer all around, you may well be out and about more than usual, which is why we wanted to offer some helpful advice as to how to best manage your tinnitus this summer.
Interestingly, in a study published by the NIH in February 2017, warmer temperatures were generally correlated with lower levels of tinnitus, and also with improved hearing. That being said, summer is often the time for socialising with friends and family, days at the beach or by the pool, and perhaps even large gatherings such as weddings or concerts – all events which can be challenging for those experiencing tinnitus.
If you’re attending a party or gathering this summer, then you don’t have to miss out due to tinnitus. Instead, try socialising in an area further away from the speakers, and try focusing on one person at a time when speaking in a group. Most importantly, don’t worry – if you have to ask someone to repeat something, or you don’t hear them clearly, the chances are you’re not the only one and they will be more than happy to repeat themselves.
Some events will inevitably include loud music, which can not only trigger tinnitus in those who don’t have it, but can make existing tinnitus worse. Bearing this in mind, it is important to use high-quality, well-fitting earplugs. Earplugs with filters will reduce the volume of the sound without reducing the quality, meaning you can actually hear the music better. Make sure to take regular breaks from loud music, and drink plenty of water, as hydration can aid you overall ear health.
Although summer is often a busy time, it’s important to take time out to relax. Studies have shown that lifestyle factors such as stress and high blood pressure can cause or exacerbate tinnitus, so it is worth finding a way to manage stress such as exercise, meditation or simply taking 10 minutes out of your day to do something you enjoy. Lifestyle changes such as cutting back on alcohol and caffeine consumption or quitting smoking may also have an impact on tinnitus.
If you wear hearing aids to manage your tinnitus, you may be familiar with the steps you need to take to protect your devices from warm temperatures and moisture. To remind yourself, you can read our article on looking after your hearing devices in summer here. If you need to take a dip in the pool to cool off, remember to store your hearing aids in a waterproof container out of direct sunlight first, to keep them in top condition for many summers to come!
Of course, tinnitus comes in different severities. If you’re struggling with tinnitus which is prolonged or very irritating, we offer tinnitus treatment for as little as £150. This includes a 90-minute consultation and assessment to help our audiologists understand your hearing. Click here to book an appointment, or call 01279 757077 to speak to our team.
