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As the calendar turns and the weather starts to change, I begin to worry about a seasonal spike in my tinnitus. When the temperature dips, my tinnitus usually flares, awakening a steady buzz like an electrical hum, accompanied by a reduction in my hearing and some dizziness. Meditation usually keeps my tinnitus under control during the rest of the year, but in the winter, its pesky noise often breaks through.
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 Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, it examined the 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 for Internet search queries for tinnitus, with a zenith in winter months.” Perhaps this spike in searches means more people suffer with tinnitus in colder weather.
This also aligns with my personal experience. Many of my posts on tinnitus describing a flare-up in ringing or vertigo were written in the winter, particularly in the transition to the colder months. It seems that the severity of my tinnitus is seasonal, fueled by a return to cooler temperatures, changes in barometric pressure and humidity levels, and my overall activity and happiness levels.
Why is Tinnitus More Common in the Winter?
Many of the things associated with winter are also linked to tinnitus.
1. Colds and flu
The increased congestion and sinus pressure that accompanies a head cold often takes a toll on my hearing. With fewer ambient sounds getting through, my tinnitus is probably more noticeable.
2. Frigid weather
When temperatures drop, your ears produce more wax, perhaps as a way of protecting their inner workings from the cold. Excess wax can block the ear canal, muffling your hearing and making the ringing more noticeable. Keeping your ears warm with earmuffs when out in the weather may help prevent this.
3. Less physical activity
I practice yoga all winter, but I don’t take as many walks as I do in warmer times of the year. I imagine most people are more sedentary in the cold. Reduced activity levels can lead to higher blood pressure, which is sometimes associated with tinnitus.
4. More coffee
It is hard to wake up when the sky is still dark in the morning, which may lead to an increase in caffeine consumption. Higher caffeine intake is often thought to exacerbate tinnitus.
5. Stress and depression
Many people suffer from seasonal depression in the winter due to more limited sun exposure. Stress can also spike as work and school commitments increase compared to the more carefree days of summer. The demands of the holiday season can add to this feeling for some. Stress and depression are highly linked to tinnitus, although it is debatable which one 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 head cold on top of it all! Other suggestions include:
Playing soft background music to drown out the buzz during the day or using a sound machine when preparing to sleep. Distracting your brain in other ways can also help. Dig into a good book or an engrossing show to keep your mind elsewhere.
Mindfulness practices like counting breaths, meditation, or yoga, can help you feel calmer in general, which may reduce the stress of unwanted sounds. The first time I tried meditation at a yoga retreat, I was surprised to find the ringing slip into the background.
Cognitive behavioral training (CBT), which uses a variety of techniques to change the way a person responds to negative stimuli may also help. CBT will not make the tinnitus go away, but it may lessen its negative impact.
Readers, does your tinnitus spike in the winter?
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