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 face some real challenges during the nippy winter months. Whether you’re combating the bitter cold, blustery winds, or increased risk of illness, protecting your hearing becomes crucial.
Winter comes with added 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
There are a few ways that your ears and hearing aids can be affected by winter’s cold conditions. Identifying these risks can help you take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing health.
Increased risk of ear infections
As a result of fluctuating temperatures and indoor germ exposure, infections are more likely when it’s winter. Moisture inside of your ear can, when exposed to cold air, cool down quickly leaving your ears more vulnerable to an infection. The danger of respiratory illnesses is also elevated by spending more time inside, increasing exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather has lots of potential hazards. Damage and malfunctions can be the consequence of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. Without correct care, moisture can compromise the fragile electronics in hearing aids, reducing their lifespan or functionality.
The ear canal can be aggravated by dry air
Winter air tends to be dry, both outdoors and inside because 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
Fortunately, a few simple strategies can help decrease the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. Implementing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices functioning optimally.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
In order to preserve your auditory activation, it’s essential that you wear your hearing aids every day, even if it’s rainy or snowy.
Here are some key ways to protect them:
- Think about using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
- Avoid exposing hearing aids to quick temperature changes, as this can cause condensation.
- Make use of a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to get rid of any moisture.
Remain social and active
Winter isolation can be tempting, but staying socially active is essential for your hearing health. Engaging in conversations and going to social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing strong. Hearing retention and cognitive function can even be preserved by seeing a movie or having coffee with friends.
Maintain 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:
- The risk of injury is increased by using cotton swabs which can push earwax further into your ear canal and should never be used.
- If needed, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
- Carefully dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
Protect your ears by managing your winter sickness
Since colds and flu are common during the winter, take extra measures to avoid infections that can impact your ears:
- Clean your hands frequently to decrease exposure to germs.
- Keep hydrated and practice a healthy diet to bolster your immune system.
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
Consult us for tailored advice
If you notice increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or problems with your hearing aids, reach out to us. We can assess your concerns, provide tailored solutions, and ensure your devices are winter-ready. Minor issues 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.