Winter is a beautiful season full of crisp air, holiday merriment, and cozy indoor get-togethers. Your ears and hearing, however, can face some real challenges during the chilly winter months. When it’s chilly, safeguarding your hearing is essential, whether you’re out in the freezing cold wind or dealing with the challenges of protecting your health from illness.
Winter comes with added challenges for people who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working order by using a few protective measures.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively impacted by cold weather
There are several ways that your ears and hearing aids can be affected by winter’s cold conditions. Understanding these risks can help you take the necessary measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Your risk of getting an ear infection increases
As a result of 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 quickly cool and create an environment conducive to infection. Also, spending more time inside heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, increasing the danger of respiratory illnesses that can affect ear health.
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. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can lead to malfunctions or damage. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be adversely affected if the delicate electronics are compromised by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal irritation
The outdoor winter air tends to be dry and inside air can also be dry as a result of heating systems. In the winter, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and general discomfort.
Tips to safeguard your hearing this winter
Fortunately, a few basic strategies can help minimize 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 maintain your auditory activation, it’s essential that you wear your hearing aids every day, even if it’s rainy or snowy.
Here are some key ways to safeguard them:
- Think about utilizing a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
- Remove moisture accumulation by keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifying container overnight.
- Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
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 watching a movie can enhance cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s important to maintain good ear hygiene
Maintaining clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
The following are a few tips to help you accomplish that:
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears carefully with a towel.
- The risk of injury is increased by the use of cotton swabs which can pack earwax further into your ear canal and should never be utilized.
- Use a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
Manage winter sicknesses to protect your ears
During the winter you’re more vulnerable to sickness like the cold and flu so it’s essential to take a few extra safety measures:
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded inside spaces if necessary.
- Bolster your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet and staying well hydrated.
- Clean your hands regularly to decrease exposure to germs.
For advice personalized to your needs, contact us
If you detect increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or issues with your hearing aids, reach out to us. We can review your concerns, provide tailored solutions, and ensure your devices are winter-ready. Minor problems can be detected early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the challenges of the season.
Schedule an appointment for an assessment today.