Winter is a wonderful season full of crisp air, holiday cheer, and cozy indoor gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can face some real challenges during the nippy winter months. When it’s chilly, protecting your hearing is essential, whether you’re out in the bitter cold wind or dealing with the challenges of protecting your health from illness.
Winter comes with added challenges for individuals who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working condition by using a few protective measures.
The effect of winter on hearing and hearing aids
There are a number of ways that your ears and hearing aids can be affected by winter’s cold conditions. 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 often leads to ear infections as a result of temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to indoor germs. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can cool quickly and create an environment conducive to infection. Additionally, spending more time inside heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, raising the risk of respiratory illnesses that can impact ear health.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather has lots of potential hazards. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can result in malfunctions or damage. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be detrimentally impacted if the delicate electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
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 irritated, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more common during the colder months.
Protect your hearing this winter with these guidelines
Luckily, a few simple strategies can help decrease the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. Employing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices functioning optimally.
Keep your hearing aids safe and dry
Even in rainy or snowy weather, it’s crucial to wear your hearing aids every day to maintain auditory activation.
Here are some key ways to safeguard them:
- Consider using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to safeguard them from snow and wind.
- Remove moisture accumulation by storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifying compartment overnight.
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
Remain social and active
Although it might 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 sharp and active by participating in conversation and attending social events. Even simple activities like meeting friends for coffee or seeing a movie can improve cognitive function and hearing retention.
Maintain good ear hygiene
Maintaining clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
Here are a number of key tips:
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
- Utilize a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if necessary.
- The risk of injury is increased by using cotton swabs which can jam earwax further into your ear canal and should never be used.
Manage winter illnesses to safeguard your ears
During the winter you’re more susceptible to sickness like the cold and flu so it’s important to take a few extra precautions:
- Wash your hands frequently to reduce exposure to germs.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and consider getting a flu vaccine.
- Reinforce your immune system by preserving a healthy diet and staying well hydrated.
Consult us for personalized advice
If you notice increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or issues with your hearing aids, get in touch with us. We can review your concerns, offer personalized solutions, and ensure your devices are ready for winter. Regular check-ups help catch minor issues before they escalate, keeping you prepared for the season’s difficulties.
Schedule an appointment for an assessment today.