The beauty of the winter season is all about frosty cool air, getting cozy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday gatherings. However, the chilly months also bring distinctive challenges for your ears and hearing health. Whether you’re combating the bitter cold, whipping winds, or increased risk of illness, protecting your hearing becomes crucial.
For those who rely on hearing aids, winter poses added concerns, but with a few proactive measures, you can safeguard 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 a number of ways. Identifying these risks can help you take the appropriate measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Your risk of getting an ear infection increases
Winter weather frequently leads to 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 susceptible to an infection. Also, spending more time inside heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses that can affect ear health.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
You’re more likely to encounter wet weather conditions during the winter which can expose your hearing aids to potentially damaging moisture. 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 delicate electronics are compromised by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal aggravation
The outside winter air tends to be dry and indoor 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 inflamed, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more common during the colder months.
Safeguard your hearing this winter with these guidelines
Fortunately, a few basic approaches can help decrease 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 preserve your auditory stimulation, it’s essential that you wear your hearing aids every day, even if it’s snowing or raining.
Here are some key ways to protect them:
- Refrain exposing hearing aids to fast temperature changes, as this can cause condensation.
- You can shield your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
- Use a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to eliminate any moisture.
Continue to be active socially
Though it might be tempting to stay inside and isolated during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining active socially. Engaging in conversations and attending social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing sharp. Even simple activities like meeting friends for coffee or watching a movie can boost cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s important to maintain good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s important that you keep your ears clean and dry.
Here are a number of key tips:
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can pack wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the risk of injury.
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears carefully with a towel.
- Utilize a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
Manage winter sicknesses to protect your ears
Since colds and flu are prevalent during the winter, take extra steps to avoid infections that can impact your ears:
- Think about getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
- Clean your hands regularly to reduce exposure to germs.
- Stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet to support your immune system.
Consult us for personalized advice
Get in touch with us for a consultation if you’ve noticed any problems with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or frequent ear infections. We will get your hearing aids ready for winter, offer customized solutions, and evaluate any concerns you may have. Minor problems can be identified early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the challenges of the season.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
