Seven million people in UK told 'you'll feel worse this week' in update from Boots

Seven million people in UK told 'you'll feel worse this week' in update from Boots

Boots has issued a warning that hospital admissions for a prevalent health issue are set to spike in December, following past seasonal trends. With the weather turning colder, December typically records an average of 3,292 accident and emergency attendances per hospital for this condition—11% higher than the annual average—highlighting winter's significant impact on health.

This alert comes after temperatures plunged to as low as -3C on Wednesday, with the Met Office forecasting continued cold and changeable conditions throughout the rest of the week. For today, Thursday, December 4, forecasters predict: "Breezy for many and colder than yesterday".

Tinnitus—the persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears that affects approximately 13% of the UK population (around 7.6 million people)—proves especially vulnerable to cold, blustery, or stormy weather. Variations in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity levels can aggravate symptoms, with online searches for tinnitus remedies climbing 19% over the past three months.

Whilst the majority of cases can be managed at home, some sufferers experience sudden or acute episodes requiring emergency hospital care. To assist people in protecting their hearing and preventing cold weather from worsening existing conditions such as tinnitus, Kayleigh Waters, audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, offers advice for managing symptoms during the colder months.

According to the NHS, tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that do not come from an outside source. It's not usually a sign of anything serious and may improve on its own. It's not always clear what causes tinnitus, but it's often linked to some form of hearing loss, Ménière's disease, conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or multiple sclerosis, anxiety or depression, or taking certain medicines.

Cold weather

Cold weather Kayleigh says cold temperatures can influence how intense tinnitus feels. A condition called exostosis, sometimes known as 'surfer's ear', involves bony growths forming in the ear canal and is more common amongst people exposed to cold or windy conditions, reports the Mirror.

"These growths can narrow the ear canal, affecting sound transmission and potentially worsening tinnitus," she said. "Additionally, cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, which may impact circulation to the auditory system and make tinnitus symptoms more noticeable."

Atmospheric pressure

Kayleigh explains that one of the most significant weather-related factors influencing tinnitus is fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, particularly low pressure, which often occurs before a storm. These changes can cause disturbances within the inner ear, and many people notice their symptoms becoming more pronounced during such periods.

She said: "When air pressure drops, the surrounding air becomes less dense. This can alter the balance of fluid in the inner ear, increasing pressure on the eardrum and even affecting blood flow to the auditory system."

Wind and allergies

Kayleigh says blustery weather can cause shifts in ear pressure, which in turn may heighten tinnitus symptoms. Those who also suffer from allergies, such as sensitivities to dust mites or pollen, might notice their tinnitus worsening during autumn and winter when time spent indoors increases and allergens can build up.

"Congestion and sinus pressure linked to allergies or colds can also affect the Eustachian tube," she said. "This is the passage that helps balance ear pressure, and this can contribute to tinnitus flare-ups."

How to manage tinnitus during weather changes

Even though the weather is beyond our control, there are strategies to manage tinnitus during harsher weather periods. Kayleigh shares her three tips.

1. Keep ears moisturised.

Kayleigh advises: "Cold air and wind can be really tough on our ears and dry out our skin, even in the ear canal. This has the potential to cause irritation and discomfort, in turn making tinnitus symptoms worse. Using ear drops is a simple but effective way to moisturise your ears and provide some relief."

2. Use background noise.

Kayleigh says: "Unpleasant ringing and buzzing is a common symptom of tinnitus, which can be exacerbated by poor weather. Listening to soothing music and sounds like white noise is an effective technique for those suffering from tinnitus. This is because doing so allows you to take your mind to an external sound, tuning out from the tinnitus and shifting your focus elsewhere- you can find white noise playlists on sites like YouTube or music streaming apps."

3. Protect your ears

Kayleigh advises: "Loud noises can be bothersome for those with tinnitus, especially if already experiencing discomfort due to a change in weather. Having earplugs at hand to protect yourself when in noisy places may be able to provide some relief.

"To prevent your ears from getting too cold, consider wearing earmuffs or a hat that is big enough to cover your ears. This is especially helpful if you're prone to sensitivity around cold winds.

"If you notice your tinnitus worsening with the weather, it's always worth speaking to an audiologist. They can help identify the underlying causes and recommend tailored management techniques or hearing solutions."