The beauty of the winter season is all about crisp 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 chilly, protecting your hearing is crucial, whether you’re out in the freezing cold wind or dealing with the challenges of protecting your health from sickness.
For those who rely on hearing aids, winter poses added concerns, but with a few proactive measures, you can protect your hearing and devices throughout the season.
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. 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
Winter weather often triggers ear infections due to temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to indoor germs. Moisture inside of your ear can, when exposed to cold air, quickly cool down leaving your ears more susceptible to an infection. The danger of respiratory illnesses is also increased by spending more time indoors, increasing exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
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 result of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be negatively impacted if the fragile electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
The ear canal can be aggravated by dry air
Winter air tends to be dry, both outdoors and indoors as a result of heating systems. This dryness can cause your skin, including the skin in your ear canal, to become irritated, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more common in the winter.
Guidelines to protect your hearing this winter
Luckily, a few simple strategies can help minimize the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. Implementing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices working optimally.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
In order to maintain your auditory activation, it’s crucial that you wear your hearing aids every day, even if it’s snowing or raining.
Here are some key ways to safeguard them:
- Think about utilizing a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to safeguard them from snow and wind.
- Quick temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
- Make use of a dehumidifying storage container overnight to remove any moisture.
Continue to be involved socially
Winter isolation can be tempting, but remaining socially active is necessary for your hearing health. Engaging in conversations and going to social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing sharp. Even basic activities like meeting friends for coffee or watching a movie can improve cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s necessary to practice good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
The following are a few tips to help you do just that:
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can pack wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the danger of injury.
- Utilize a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
Manage winter illnesses to protect your ears
Since colds and flu are common during the winter, take extra care to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and consider getting a flu vaccine.
- Keep hydrated and practice a healthy diet to support your immune system.
- Wash your hands regularly to reduce exposure to germs.
For advice custom-tailored to your needs, contact us
Get in touch with us for a consultation if you’ve noticed any issues with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or regular ear infections. We will get your hearing aids ready for winter, provide customized solutions, and evaluate any concerns you might have. Routine check-ups help catch minor issues before they escalate, keeping you prepared for the season’s difficulties.
Schedule an appointment for an assessment today.
