Winter is a beautiful season filled with frosty air, holiday merriment, and cozy indoor get-togethers. Your ears and hearing, however, can confront some real challenges during the chilly winter months. Whether you’re dealing with the bitter cold, whipping winds, or increased risk of illness, safeguarding your hearing becomes essential.
For those who rely on hearing aids, winter presents extra 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 impact your ears and hearing devices in a number of ways. Identifying these risks can help you take the necessary measures to protect your hearing health.
Greater risk of ear infections
Winter weather frequently leads to ear infections due to temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to inside germs. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can quickly cool and generate an environment conducive to infection. The risk of respiratory illnesses is also elevated by spending more time indoors, increasing exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
You’re more likely to experience wet weather conditions during the winter which can expose your hearing aids to potentially damaging moisture. Damage and malfunctions can be the consequence of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be adversely impacted if the fragile electronics are compromised by moisture.
The ear canal can be aggravated by dry air
Winter air tends to be dry, both outdoors and indoors because of heating systems. In the winter, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and overall discomfort.
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 your hearing aids safe and dry
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.
However, to safeguard them:
- Think about using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
- Quick temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
- Use a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to get rid of any moisture.
Stay social and active
Though it may 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 engaging in conversation and going to social events. Hearing retention and cognitive function can even be preserved by watching a movie or having coffee with friends.
It’s necessary to practice good ear hygiene
Maintaining clean and dry ears is crucial during winter.
The following are several tips to help you do just that:
- Carefully dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
- If necessary, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
- The risk of injury is increased by the use of cotton swabs which can push earwax further into your ear canal and should never be utilized.
Manage winter sicknesses to safeguard your ears
In the winter you’re more susceptible to illnesses like the cold and flu so it’s important to take some extra safety measures:
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and think about getting a flu vaccine.
- Keep hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support your immune system.
- In order to decrease your exposure to germs, clean your hands frequently.
Consult us for personalized advice
Reach out to us for a consultation if you’ve noticed any problems with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or regular ear infections. We will get your hearing aids ready for winter, provide customized solutions, and assess any concerns you may have. Minor issues can be detected early before they intensify allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
