As the calendar changes and the weather begins to change, I start to worry about a seasonal increase in my tinnitus. When the temperature drops, my tinnitus usually increases, waking up to a constant ringing like an electrical hum, accompanied by a reduction in my hearing and some dizziness. Meditation usually keeps my tinnitus under control for the rest of the year, but in winter, its annoying noise often makes itself felt.
Seasonal tinnitus is real
Is seasonal tinnitus real? at least one research study supports the idea of seasonality in tinnitus. Published in 2015 by European archives of otorhinolaryngologyexamined Google search history for the word “tinnitus” and found seasonal effects in several countries.
The study concluded: “Our findings indicate that there are significant seasonal trends in tinnitus search queries on the Internet, with a peak in the winter months.” Perhaps this increase in searches means that more people suffer from tinnitus in colder climates.
This also aligns with my personal experience. Many of my tinnitus posts describing a bout of ringing or vertigo were written in winter, particularly as we transition into the colder months. It appears that the severity of my tinnitus is seasonal, driven by the return to cooler temperatures, changes in barometric pressure and humidity levels, and my overall activity and happiness levels.
Why is tinnitus more common in winter?
Many of the things associated with winter are also related to tinnitus.
1. Colds and flu
The increased congestion and sinus pressure that accompanies a cold often affects my hearing. With fewer ambient sounds, my tinnitus will probably be more noticeable.
2. Freezing weather
When temperatures drop, your ears produce more wax, perhaps as a way to protect their inner workings from the cold. Excess wax can block the ear canal, muffling hearing and making the ringing more noticeable. Keeping your ears warm with earmuffs when outside can help prevent this.
3. Less physical activity
I practice yoga all winter, but I don’t go on as many walks as I do in the warmer times of the year. I imagine most people are more sedentary when it’s cold. Reduced activity levels can cause increased blood pressure, which is sometimes associated with tinnitus.
4. More coffee
It is difficult to wake up when the sky is still dark in the morning, which can lead to an increase in caffeine consumption. Increased caffeine intake is often thought to exacerbate tinnitus.
5. Stress and depression
Many people suffer from seasonal depression in winter due to more limited sun exposure. Stress can also increase as work and school commitments increase compared to the more carefree days of summer. The demands of the holiday season may heighten this feeling for some. Stress and depression are closely related to tinnitus, although it is debatable which causes the other.
What can help with seasonal tinnitus?
To combat a seasonal tinnitus spike, I try to stay warm, calm, and away from germs. I certainly don’t want a cold on top of all this! Other suggestions include:
Playing soft background music to drown out the ringing during the day or use a sound device when getting ready to sleep. Distracting your brain In other ways it can also help. Read a good book or an exciting show to keep your mind elsewhere.
Mindfulness practices Such as counting your breaths, meditation, or yoga can help you feel calmer overall, which can reduce the stress of unwanted sounds. The first time I tried meditation at a yoga retreat, I was surprised to find the sound in the background.
Cognitive behavioral training (CBT), which uses a variety of techniques to change the way a person responds to negative stimuli, can also help. CBT will not make tinnitus go away, but it can lessen its negative impact.
Readers, does your tinnitus increase in winter?
Related posts
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Never miss a post! Sign up to receive email alerts.
