The beauty of the winter season is all about frosty cool air, getting comfy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can confront some real challenges during the nippy winter months. When it’s cold, 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.
Winter comes with additional challenges for individuals who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working order by using a few protective measures.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively impacted by cold weather
Winter’s cold temperatures and severe conditions can affect your ears and hearing devices in several ways. Understanding these risks can help you take the appropriate measures to protect your hearing health.
Your risk of getting an ear infection increases
Winter weather frequently results in ear infections due to temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to inside germs. 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 indoors elevates exposure to viruses and bacteria, increasing the danger of respiratory illnesses that can impact ear health.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
Hearing aids can be damaged by moisture, and winter weather has lots of potential hazards. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can result in malfunctions or damage. Without proper care, moisture can compromise the fragile electronics in hearing aids, decreasing their lifespan or functionality.
Dry air and ear canal irritation
The outdoor winter air tends to be dry and indoor air can also be dry due to heating systems. This dryness can cause your skin, including the skin in your ear canal, to become inflamed, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more prevalent during the colder months.
Tips to safeguard your hearing this winter
The good news is that the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids can be decreased 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 crucial to wear your hearing aids daily to maintain auditory activation.
Here are some key ways to safeguard them:
- Use a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to eliminate any moisture.
- You can shield your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
Continue to be active socially
Winter withdrawal can be tempting, but remaining socially involved is necessary for your hearing health. Participating in conversations and attending social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing sharp. Even simple activities like meeting friends for coffee or seeing a movie can boost cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s necessary to practice good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
Here are a few key tips:
- If necessary, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can pack wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the danger of injury.
Protect your ears by managing your winter illnesses
Since colds and flu are common in winter, take extra precautions to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to bolster your immune system.
- In order to reduce your exposure to germs, wash your hands frequently.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and consider getting a flu vaccine.
Consult us for personalized advice
Get in touch with us for a consultation if you’ve detected any problems with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or regular ear infections. We can assess your concerns, provide personalized solutions, and ensure your devices are ready for winter. Minor problems can be detected early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the challenges of the season.
Schedule an appointment for an assessment today.