The beauty of the winter season is all about frosty cool air, getting comfy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can experience some real challenges during the nippy winter months. Whether you’re combating the bitter cold, blustery winds, or increased risk of illness, protecting your hearing becomes crucial.
Winter comes with increased challenges for people who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working condition by making use of 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. You will be better able to protect your hearing health against the impact of cold weather if you have a clear understanding of the risks.
Your risk of getting an ear infection rises
Due to fluctuating temperatures and indoor germ exposure, infections are more likely during the winter. Moisture inside of your ear can, when exposed to cold air, cool down quickly leaving your ears more vulnerable to an infection. Also, spending more time inside heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, raising the risk of respiratory illnesses that can impact ear health.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
You’re more likely to encounter wet weather conditions in the winter which can expose your hearing aids to potentially damaging moisture. Damage and malfunctions can be the result of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be adversely affected if the fragile electronics are compromised by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal irritation
Winter air tends to be dry, both outside 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
Luckily, a few simple approaches 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 hearing aids dry and safe
In order to preserve your auditory stimulation, it’s crucial that you wear your hearing aids every day, even if it’s snowing or raining.
However, to safeguard them:
- Utilize a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to get rid of any moisture.
- Quick temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
- Consider using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
Stay social and active
Winter withdrawal can be tempting, but remaining socially active is necessary for your hearing health. Participating in conversations and attending social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing strong. Even basic activities like meeting friends for coffee or watching a movie can enhance cognitive function and hearing retention.
Maintain good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
The following are a few tips to help you do just that:
- Utilize a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
- 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.
Protect your ears by managing your winter sickness
Since colds and flu are prevalent during the winter, take extra measures to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- Stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet to support your immune system.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and think about getting a flu vaccine.
- In order to decrease your exposure to germs, wash your hands frequently.
Consult us for personalized advice
If you detect increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or issues with your hearing aids, reach out to us. We will get your hearing aids winter-ready, provide customized solutions, and assess any concerns you might have. Minor problems can be identified early before they intensify allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.