Heatwave warning over potential health issue - not just sunburn
As the UK braces itself for a heatwave there's one health issue that could flare up during hot temperatures15:14, 20 Jun 2026While sunburn and heat stroke are commonly linked to heatwaves and high. . .
As the UK braces itself for a heatwave there's one health issue that could flare up during hot temperatures15:14, 20 Jun 2026While sunburn and heat stroke are commonly linked to heatwaves and high temperatures, there's another, lesser-known condition that can be caused by sunny weather. Kayleigh Waters, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, explained that some people may experience unexpected complications if their ears aren't protected during warm weather spells. She noted: "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 episodes, Kayleigh advises applying and regularly topping up sun protection factor (SPF), limiting time spent under harsh and direct sunshine, and using wide-brimmed hats alongside appropriate clothing for coverage. DehydrationDehydration presents another concern that can influence ear health, particularly prevalent during spells of elevated temperatures. Insufficient hydration can trigger dehydration, which compromises numerous bodily systems, including the inner ear's functionality. 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 theNHSadvises 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 earAs the mercury rises, many of us will be heading to our nearest lido, swimming pool, or perhaps taking a refreshing dip in the sea. However, it's vital to be mindful of potential complications that can follow a swim, so that appropriate precautions can be taken. 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. Article continues below"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. "