Audiologist Issues Health Warning: Heatwave Poses Risks to Ear Health A health expert has issued a critical warning about the potential impact of an extreme heatwave on ear health, urging the public to take precautions starting from Monday, June 22. The Met Office has activated a rare "extreme heat" warning for parts of England and Wales, spanning from June 22 to June 25. While the warning primarily focuses on the dangers of high temperatures to overall health, audiologist Kayleigh Waters has highlighted how scorching weather can specifically affect hearing and ear wellness. Waters, a specialist at Boots Hearingcare, emphasized that the risks extend beyond direct heat exposure. She outlined three key ways a heatwave can harm ear health. First, intense sun exposure can lead to sunburn, which, while primarily a skin issue, may exacerbate tinnitus—a condition characterized by hearing sounds like ringing, buzzing, or humming without an external source. Sunburn-induced inflammation can worsen tinnitus symptoms, while dehydration from excessive sweating and reduced fluid intake can further aggravate the condition. Second, the expert warned about the dangers of water trapped in the ears during hot weather. While earwax’s water-repellent properties usually prevent serious issues, prolonged water exposure—such as from swimming in pools or the sea—can lead to infections like swimmer’s ear. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness in the ear canal, partial hearing loss, and, if left untreated, more severe complications. Waters advised seeking medical attention if pain, itching, or redness accompanies these symptoms. Third, dehydration poses a significant threat to inner ear function. The inner ear, responsible for both hearing and balance, relies on adequate hydration to operate properly.#heatwave #met_office #audiologist_kayleigh_waters #boots_hearingcare #tinnitus
