The charm of the winter season is all about crisp cool air, getting comfy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday get-togethers. However, the nippy months also bring distinctive challenges for your ears and the health of your hearing. When it’s cold, safeguarding your hearing is crucial, whether you’re out in the freezing cold wind or dealing with the challenges of protecting your health from illness.
Winter comes with additional challenges for people who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working condition 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 necessary steps to protect your hearing health.
Increased risk of ear infections
Due to fluctuating temperatures and indoor germ exposure, infections are more likely during the winter. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can cool quickly and generate an environment favorable to infection. Additionally, spending more time inside elevates exposure to viruses and bacteria, raising the risk of respiratory illnesses that can affect ear health.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
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 jeopardized by moisture.
The ear canal can be irritated 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.
Tips to protect your hearing this winter
Fortunately, a few basic strategies can help minimize 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 snowy or rainy weather, it’s crucial to wear your hearing aids every day to preserve auditory stimulation.
However, to safeguard them:
- Think about utilizing a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
- Eliminate moisture accumulation by keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifying container overnight.
- Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
Remain social and active
Though it may 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. Hearing retention and cognitive function can even be maintained by seeing a movie or having coffee with friends.
Maintain good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s important that you keep your ears clean and dry.
The following are several tips to help you accomplish that:
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears gently with a towel.
- Use a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if necessary.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the risk of injury.
Manage winter sicknesses to safeguard your ears
In the winter you’re more prone to illnesses like the cold and flu so it’s essential to take some extra safety measures:
- Think about getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded inside spaces if necessary.
- Reinforce your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet and staying well hydrated.
- Wash your hands frequently to decrease exposure to germs.
Consult us for tailored 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 can review your concerns, provide personalized solutions, and ensure your devices are ready for winter. Regular check-ups help catch minor problems before they get worse, keeping you prepared for the season’s challenges.
Schedule an appointment for an assessment today.