# Heatwave tinnitus risk: Expert reveals little known link between sunburn and incurable hearing disorder > Source: > Published: 2026-06-24 09:34:08+00:00 # Heatwave tinnitus risk: Expert reveals little known link between sunburn and incurable hearing disorder **READ MORE:**[The 10 deadly signs of skin cancer that are NOT moles](/health/article-15922203/10-signs-skin-cancer-risk-killer-disease.html)**See more Daily Mail on Google -**[save us as a Preferred Source](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=dailymail.com) From heat stroke to dehydration, soaring temperatures don't come without risk. Most of us will know that getting sunburnt can increase the risk of skin [cancer](/news/cancer/index.html) - but now experts say it could be behind a health condition suffered by millions: tinnitus. It is not uncommon for your ears to ring after attending a concert or loud party, but for those with tinnitus, the ringing is constant. But this effect doesn't have an external source - rather it is caused by the perception of a sound in the ear. When the brain can't locate a specific sound, it compensates by increasing neural activity, which is believed to cause the perception of sound when none exists. This hyperactivity can also interfere with the brain's natural filtering mechanisms - just like sunburn. 'Sunburn is one of the things that doesn’t just feel painful and uncomfortable, but it can also have a big impact on our ear health,' Kayleigh Waters, an audiologist at Boots Hearing Care explains. 'While sunburn is primarily a skin issue, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer, it can also exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus.' Tinnitus is thought to affect around one in ten people, and can be made worse or brought on by sunburn With scorching summers set to become the norm in the UK, experts have warned that cases of melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - could climb to 26,500 a year by 2040. And with it, we could see a sharp rise in the number of people experiencing tinnitus. 'Intense sun exposure often leads to inflammation, which is known for worsening tinnitus,' Waters said. 'Not only this, but sunburn can cause physical stress and dehydration, both of which are factors that can lead to heightened tinnitus symptoms.' A lack of proper fluid intake can also affect the inner ear, disrupting the normal balance of fluid the inner ear relies on for 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.' As such, while the NHS recommends drinking six-to-eight glasses of fluid a day, the audiologist recommends increasing this to up to 10 during warmer periods to prevent dehydration. The good news is, it's possible to minimise the risk of sunburn-induced tinnitus. 'Mitigating this is as simple as taking steps to prevent sunburn, such as wearing and reapplying SPF, not spending extensive periods in direct and intense sunlight, as well as covering up when necessary with wide-brimmed hats and suitable clothing,' Waters said. An estimated 750 million people globally are thought to suffer from the condition that causes ringing, buzzing, hissing or roaring sounds in one or both ears. Other common triggers include ear infections, earwax build-up, or Meniere's disease - a chronic inner-ear condition that can also trigger vertigo. In these cases, treating the cause often provides relief. But for about 1.5 million people, the condition is long-term, difficult to tackle and has a significant impact on daily life. As such, current treatments focus on helping patients better cope with the symptoms - using cognitive behavioural therapy and white noise to drown it out. But with temperatures expected to reach sweltering highs this week - exceed 39C in some parts of the country - staying safe in the sun can also help minimise your risk. NHS guidance recommends limiting time in direct sunlight - especially during the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest - and applying sunscreen, with at least SPF 30 and a four UVA rating, regularly. And even if you have already suffer from constant ringing, it is never too late to start protecting your ears, as well as your skin.