Winter is a wonderful season filled with frosty air, holiday merriment, and cozy indoor gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can experience 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 safeguarding your health from sickness.
For those who depend on hearing aids, winter poses added concerns, but with a few hands-on measures, you can protect your hearing and hearing aids throughout the season.
The effect of winter on hearing and hearing aids
There are several ways that your ears and hearing aids can be impacted by winter’s cold conditions. You will be better able to protect your hearing health against the effect of cold weather if you have a clear picture of the risks.
Increased risk of ear infections
Winter weather frequently triggers ear infections because of temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to indoor germs. Moisture inside of your ear can, when exposed to cold air, cool down quickly leaving your ears more vulnerable 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
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather is full of potential hazards. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can cause malfunctions or damage. Without proper care, moisture can damage the sensitive electronics in hearing aids, reducing their lifespan or functionality.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
The outdoor winter air tends to be dry and indoor air can also be dry due to 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 in the winter.
Guidelines to safeguard your hearing this winter
The good news is that the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids can be reduced by using some simple tips. 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 stimulation, it’s important that you wear your hearing aids daily, even if it’s snowing or raining.
Here are some key ways to safeguard them:
- You can shield your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
- Quick temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
- Use a dehumidifying storage container overnight to eliminate any moisture.
Stay social and active
Though it might be tempting to stay inside and isolated during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining involved 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 seeing a movie can improve cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s important to practice good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s essential that you keep your ears clean and dry.
Here are a few key tips:
- 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.
- Avoid utilizing cotton swabs, which can pack wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the risk of injury.
Protect your ears by controlling your winter sickness
Since colds and flu are common during the winter, take extra measures to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- Reinforce your immune system by preserving a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
- Clean your hands frequently to decrease exposure to germs.
Consult us for personalized advice
Get in touch with us for a consultation if you’ve detected any problems with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or frequent ear infections. We will get your hearing aids winter-ready, provide customized solutions, and evaluate any concerns you may have. Minor issues can be identified early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Schedule an appointment for an assessment today.