Managing Tinnitus and Hearing Loss During a Hurricane: Tips for Maintaining Calm in the Storm

Hurricane Helene’s destructive impacts have created havoc for many individuals across the United States. With this being our first hurricane

season in Florida, I’ve been doing a lot of research on preparedness, and I even purchased a book. However, one thing I didn’t come across is preparing for

a hurricane when you have hearing loss or tinnitus. Although this article is a week late after hurricane Helene wreaked havoc, I still wanted to share some

insights, ensuring both mental and physical well-being are prioritized.

Understanding the Impact of Stress on Tinnitus:

Stress is a well-known trigger that can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Imagine your stress levels as water in a tea kettle. Every time you

experience stress, the water in your kettle heats up. When you’re managing everyday tasks, your kettle may gently simmer, but when a major stressor such

as a hurricane occurs, that water reaches a boiling point. For someone with tinnitus, this boiling point represents a spike in symptoms. Just like when a

kettle whistles loudly when the water boils, tinnitus may feel louder and more intrusive when stress is at its peak. It’s important to recognize that your tinnitus may feel louder or more persistent during this time, but this is a temporary response to a stressful situation. By practicing relaxation techniques, sound therapy, and mindfulness, you can turn down the burner.

Emergency Kit Essentials for Tinnitus:

My favorite local meteorologist, Denis Phillips, has a great post on preparing for a hurricane and I recommend you follow his Facebook page. Alongside your hurricane emergency supplies, consider packing items that can help manage tinnitus. This includes ear-level sound generators, noise-canceling headphones, soothing music or sound therapy apps, and any necessary medications for anxiety or sleep. While power outages may increase the silence and make tinnitus more prominent, consider investing in a battery-powered sound machine, radio, or other devices that can provide background noise to mask the ringing or buzzing. Hurricanes can be loud, with howling winds and rain battering buildings. Having a plan for creating a quiet, calming environment in your home, like soundproofing a room with blankets or cushions, can provide a retreat when the noise becomes overwhelming.

During the Hurricane:

Engage in breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, or meditation to manage the anxiety that can accompany both the storm and tinnitus flare-ups. Apps designed for relaxation can be useful even in the middle of a storm.

Power Outages:

If the power goes out, the complete silence can amplify tinnitus sounds. Use a battery-powered sound generator, wind-up radio, or

download sound therapy apps in advance to keep noise present during power outages. Ensure that your mobile devices, including those used for sound therapy, are fully charged before the storm. If you have an ear level sound generator or hearing aids, make sure you have extra batteries. If your sound generators or hearing aids are rechargeable, make sure you have portable charging available. Small battery packs, up to larger EcoFlow systems, work great. Some hearing aids such as Phonak Lumity Life are waterproof. In other cases, you could use a waterproof case to protect your devices.

After the Hurricane:

It’s common to experience tinnitus spikes even after the storm due to the sustained stress. Continue using sound therapy and relaxation techniques as you return to a normal routine. Connecting with a professional audiologist, mental health counselor, or support groups can provide comfort and guidance after the storm, particularly if tinnitus flare-ups are making recovery more difficult.

Managing tinnitus during a hurricane requires planning, preparation, and a focus on self-care. By incorporating sound therapy, relaxation techniques, and a clear plan for dealing with power outages, you can minimize the impact of the storm on your tinnitus. Most importantly, remember that both the storm and any associated tinnitus spikes are temporary, and with the right tools, you can weather them both.