Winter is a wonderful season full of crisp air, holiday cheer, and cozy indoor gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can confront some real challenges during the nippy winter months. Whether you’re dealing with the bitter cold, whipping winds, or increased risk of illness, safeguarding 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 order by using a few protective measures.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively impacted by cold weather
Winter’s cold temperatures and harsh conditions can impact your ears and hearing devices in several ways. You will be better able to safeguard your hearing health against the effect of cold weather if you have a clear picture of the risks.
Your risk of getting an ear infection rises
Winter weather often triggers ear infections as a result of temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to indoor germs. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can cool quickly and generate an environment conducive to infection. The risk 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 can be damaged by moisture, and winter weather has lots of potential hazards. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can result in malfunctions or damage. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be detrimentally impacted if the sensitive electronics are compromised by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal irritation
The outside winter air tends to be dry and inside air can also be dry due to heating systems. During the cold months, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and overall discomfort.
Tips to safeguard your hearing this winter
Luckily, a few simple approaches can help decrease the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. Employing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices working optimally.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
In order to maintain your auditory stimulation, it’s essential that you wear your hearing aids daily, even if it’s snowing or raining.
However, to protect them:
- Utilize a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to eliminate any moisture.
- Think about using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
Remain social and active
Winter isolation can be tempting, but remaining socially involved is essential for your hearing health. Engaging in conversations and attending social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing sharp. Hearing retention and cognitive function can even be preserved by watching a movie or having coffee with friends.
It’s important to maintain good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s important that you keep your ears clean and dry.
The following are a few tips to help you do just that:
- The risk of injury is increased by the use of cotton swabs which can jam earwax further into your ear canal and should never be used.
- Carefully dry your ears with a towel after being exposed to moisture.
- If necessary, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
Manage winter sicknesses to safeguard your ears
Since colds and flu are common in winter, take extra steps to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and think about getting a flu vaccine.
- In order to decrease your exposure to germs, clean your hands regularly.
- Bolster your immune system by preserving a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
For advice personalized to your needs, contact us
Reach out to 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 tailored solutions, and ensure your devices are winter-ready. Minor issues can be identified early before they intensify allowing you to be ready for the challenges of the season.
Schedule an appointment for an evaluation today.