Winter is a beautiful season filled with frosty air, holiday merriment, and cozy indoor gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can confront some real challenges during the nippy winter months. When it’s chilly, protecting your hearing is essential, whether you’re out in the freezing cold wind or dealing with the challenges of safeguarding your health from illness.
For people who rely on hearing aids, winter presents added concerns, but with a few hands-on measures, you can protect your hearing and devices throughout the season.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively affected by cold weather
There are a few ways that your ears and hearing aids can be impacted by winter’s cold conditions. Understanding these risks can help you take the appropriate measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Increased risk of ear infections
Due to fluctuating temperatures and indoor germ exposure, infections are more likely when it’s winter. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can cool quickly and produce an environment favorable to infection. Additionally, spending more time inside elevates exposure to viruses and bacteria, increasing the danger of respiratory illnesses that can impact ear health.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather is full of potential hazards. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can cause malfunctions or damage. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be negatively affected if the sensitive electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
The outside winter air tends to be dry and inside air can also be dry as a result of heating systems. This dryness can cause your skin, including the skin in your ear canal, to become aggravated, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more common during the colder months.
Guidelines to protect your hearing this winter
The good news is that the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids can be reduced by using some simple tips. Employing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices functioning optimally.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
Even in snowy or rainy conditions, it’s important to wear your hearing aids every day to preserve auditory stimulation.
However, to safeguard them:
- Remove moisture accumulation by storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifying compartment overnight.
- Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
- Think about using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to safeguard them from snow and wind.
Stay social and active
Though it might be tempting to stay inside and secluded during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining active socially. Your brain’s auditory processing will remain strong and active by participating in conversation and attending social events. Hearing retention and mental function can even be preserved by seeing a movie or having coffee with friends.
Practice good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is crucial during winter.
Here are a few key tips:
- Make use of a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
- The risk of injury is increased by using cotton swabs which can push earwax further into your ear canal and should never be used.
- Carefully dry your ears with a towel after being exposed to moisture.
Manage winter illnesses to safeguard your ears
Since colds and flu are prevalent in winter, take extra steps to avoid infections that can impact your ears:
- Support your immune system by preserving a healthy diet and staying well hydrated.
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
- Clean your hands frequently to reduce exposure to germs.
Consult us for tailored advice
Get in touch with us for a consultation if you’ve noticed any issues with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or frequent ear infections. We will get your hearing aids ready for winter, offer customized solutions, and assess any concerns you may have. Minor problems can be identified early before they intensify allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
