Can Sunburn Make Tinnitus Worse?
Jun 23, 2025
Cassie Iliff, Au.D., CCC-A
Tinnitus, that constant or intermittent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears, is a familiar companion for many. It's not a condition on its own but a symptom of various underlying issues.
As the weather warms up here in Colorado, we often have (slightly sunburned) patients come to visit us and ask: Can too much sun worsen tinnitus symptoms?
Understanding the interplay between sunburn and tinnitus is crucial, especially if you spend considerable time in the sun. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing health and your skin, you can rest assured that you'll be able to hear the sounds of summer without interruption.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of noise in the ears, often described as ringing, buzzing, or even roaring sounds, when no external source is present. While not a disease, tinnitus is often a symptom of something occurring in the auditory system or elsewhere in your body.
Common causes include hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, or even specific medications. While it's typically not harmful, tinnitus can become a significant nuisance, affecting your ability to sleep, concentrate, and enjoy your daily life.
How Sunburn and Sun Exposure May Affect Tinnitus
It's important to note that sunburn doesn't directly cause tinnitus, but it can make existing tinnitus symptoms more noticeable for several reasons.
Inflammation: Severe sunburn causes your body to enter an inflammatory state, which can impact the delicate structures of the inner ear, potentially intensifying tinnitus.
Physical Stress: The discomfort and pain from a sunburn create physical stress, making your tinnitus seem louder or more intrusive.
Dehydration: The dehydration often experienced in hot weather can affect blood flow to the inner ear, possibly aggravating tinnitus symptoms.
Heat Exhaustion or Fatigue: Being out in extreme heat can be taxing on your body, making auditory disturbances like tinnitus more pronounced.
When to Seek Help for Tinnitus
Knowing when to speak to a professional is key to managing tinnitus effectively. Consider seeking help if your tinnitus is continuous or exceeds a couple of weeks, if there is a marked increase in symptoms after being outdoors, or if your tinnitus begins to disrupt your daily activities, sleep, or mood.
Additionally, if your tinnitus is associated with changes in hearing, ear pain, or dizziness, you can rest assured that our team is here to help.
Hearing evaluations, tinnitus assessments, and personalized treatment strategies, like tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and Lace AI Pro, are designed to help you in managing tinnitus effectively.
Your friendly neighborhood team of audiologists is equipped and licensed to provide you with these services, helping to alleviate your discomfort and enhance your quality of life.
Safeguard Your Hearing—and Wear Sunscreen!
Remember, while sunshine is uplifting, excessive exposure without proper protection can affect more than just your skin—it can worsen preexisting tinnitus symptoms.
If you notice changes in your symptoms, request a callback to explore your treatment options. Taking proactive steps today can significantly improve your auditory health and overall well-being.
For a more immediate conversation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (719) 633-1494.
