The beauty of the winter season is all about crisp cool air, getting cozy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday get-togethers. Your ears and hearing, however, can experience some real challenges during the chilly winter months. When it’s chilly, safeguarding your hearing is crucial, whether you’re out in the bitter cold wind or dealing with the challenges of safeguarding your health from illness.
For those who rely on hearing aids, winter presents additional 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 few ways that your ears and hearing aids can be impacted by winter’s cold conditions. You will be better able to safeguard your hearing health against the effect of cold weather if you have a clear understanding of the risks.
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. Moisture inside of your ear can, when exposed to cold air, quickly cool down leaving your ears more susceptible 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 can be damaged by moisture, and winter weather has lots of potential hazards. Damage and malfunctions can be the outcome of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. Without proper care, moisture can jeopardize the delicate electronics in hearing aids, reducing their lifespan or functionality.
Dry air and ear canal discomfort
The outside winter air tends to be dry and inside air can also be dry due to heating systems. This dryness can cause your skin, including the skin in your ear canal, to become inflamed, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more prevalent in the winter.
Guidelines to protect your hearing this winter
Luckily, a few basic strategies can help minimize the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. You will keep your hearing aids in optimum condition and you will be more comfortable by making these practices habit.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
In order to preserve your auditory activation, it’s essential that you wear your hearing aids every day, even if it’s snowing or raining.
However, to protect them:
- Remove moisture accumulation by storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifying compartment overnight.
- You can shield your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
- Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
Stay social and active
Winter isolation can be tempting, but remaining socially involved is essential for your hearing health. Partaking 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 boost cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s important to maintain good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
The following are several tips to help you do just that:
- Make use of a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if necessary.
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears carefully with a towel.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper into the ear canal and raise the danger of injury.
Manage winter sicknesses to safeguard your ears
Since colds and flu are prevalent during the winter, take extra steps to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- Bolster your immune system by preserving a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
- Clean your hands regularly to decrease exposure to germs.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and think about getting a flu vaccine.
For advice custom-tailored to your needs, contact us
If you detect increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or problems with your hearing aids, get in touch with us. We can review your concerns, offer personalized solutions, and ensure your devices are ready for winter. Minor problems can be detected early before they intensify allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Schedule an appointment for a consultation today.