The beauty of the winter season is all about crisp cool air, getting comfy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday get-togethers. However, the chilly months also bring distinctive challenges for your ears and hearing health. Whether you’re dealing with the bitter cold, whipping winds, or increased risk of illness, protecting your hearing becomes essential.
For people who rely 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.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively affected by cold weather
There are a number of ways that your ears and hearing aids can be impacted by winter’s cold conditions. Identifying these risks can help you take the appropriate steps to protect your hearing health.
Increased risk of ear infections
Winter weather frequently leads to ear infections due to temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to inside germs. 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 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
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather has lots of potential hazards. Damage and malfunctions can be the consequence of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be negatively impacted if the sensitive electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal irritation
The outside winter air tends to be dry and indoor air can also be dry because 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 prevalent during the colder months.
Tips to safeguard your hearing this winter
Luckily, a few basic strategies 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 your hearing aids safe and dry
In order to maintain your auditory activation, it’s important that you wear your hearing aids daily, even if it’s snowing or raining.
However, to protect them:
- Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
- Utilize a dehumidifying storage container overnight to eliminate any moisture.
- Consider using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
Remain social and active
Winter withdrawal can be tempting, but staying socially active is vital for your hearing health. Participating in conversations and going to social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing strong. Hearing retention and mental function can even be maintained by seeing a movie or having coffee with friends.
Practice good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
Here are a few key tips:
- If needed, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears gently with a towel.
- Avoid utilizing cotton swabs, which can jam wax deeper into the ear canal and raise the risk of injury.
Protect your ears by controlling your winter sickness
Since colds and flu are prevalent in winter, take extra steps to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- Reinforce your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and consider getting a flu vaccine.
- Clean your hands frequently to reduce exposure to germs.
Consult us for personalized advice
Reach out to us for a consultation if you’ve noticed any problems with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or regular ear infections. We will get your hearing aids winter-ready, offer personalized solutions, and evaluate any concerns you may have. Routine check-ups help catch minor problems before they escalate, keeping you prepared for the season’s difficulties.
Call us today to schedule an appointment.