Winter is a wonderful season filled with crisp air, holiday merriment, and comfy indoor gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can experience some real challenges during the nippy winter months. When it’s cold, safeguarding your hearing is essential, whether you’re out in the bitter cold wind or dealing with the challenges of protecting your health from sickness.
For those who rely on hearing aids, winter presents extra concerns, but with a few hands-on measures, you can safeguard your hearing and hearing aids throughout the season.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively impacted by cold weather
There are a number of ways that your ears and hearing aids can be affected by winter’s cold conditions. You will be better able to safeguard your hearing health against the effect of cold weather if you have a clear picture of the risks.
Greater risk of ear infections
Because of fluctuating temperatures and inside germ exposure, infections are more likely during the winter. Moisture inside of your ear can, when exposed to cold air, cool down quickly leaving your ears more vulnerable to an infection. Also, spending more time inside heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, raising the risk of respiratory illnesses that can affect ear health.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
You’re more likely to experience wet weather conditions in the winter which can expose your hearing aids to potentially damaging moisture. Damage and malfunctions can be the consequence of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be adversely impacted if the sensitive electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal discomfort
The outdoor winter air tends to be dry and indoor air can also be dry because of heating systems. In the winter, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and overall discomfort.
Tips to protect your hearing this winter
The good news is that the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids can be decreased by utilizing some simple tips. Implementing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices functioning optimally.
Keep your hearing aids safe and dry
In order to preserve your auditory activation, it’s essential that you wear your hearing aids daily, even if it’s rainy or snowy.
Here are some key ways to protect them:
- Utilize a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to remove any moisture.
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
- You can shield your device from wind and snow by using a protective sleeve or cover.
Remain social and active
Though it may be tempting to stay inside and secluded during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining involved socially. Partaking in conversations and attending social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing strong. Hearing retention and cognitive function can even be maintained by seeing a movie or having coffee with friends.
It’s important to practice good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s essential that you keep your ears clean and dry.
The following are several tips to help you do just that:
- Carefully dry your ears with a towel after being exposed to moisture.
- Make use of a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if necessary.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can jam wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the risk of injury.
Manage winter illnesses to safeguard your ears
Since colds and flu are prevalent during the winter, take extra care to avoid infections that can impact your ears:
- In order to decrease your exposure to germs, clean your hands regularly.
- Think about getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
- Keep hydrated and practice a healthy diet to bolster your immune system.
For advice custom-tailored to your needs, contact us
If you notice increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or problems with your hearing aids, get in touch with us. We can review your concerns, offer tailored solutions, and ensure your devices are ready for winter. Regular check-ups help catch minor problems before they get worse, keeping you prepared for the season’s challenges.
Schedule an appointment for an evaluation today.