Winter is a beautiful season full of crisp air, holiday merriment, and cozy indoor get-togethers. Your ears and hearing, however, can experience some real challenges during the chilly winter months. When it’s chilly, protecting your hearing is essential, whether you’re out in the bitter cold wind or dealing with the challenges of protecting your health from illness.
For people who depend on hearing aids, winter poses extra concerns, but with a few hands-on measures, you can protect your hearing and hearing aids throughout the season.
The impact of winter on hearing and hearing aids
There are a few 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 safeguard your hearing health.
Your risk of getting an ear infection increases
Winter weather frequently triggers ear infections because of temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to inside germs. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can quickly cool and produce an environment conducive to infection. Also, spending more time indoors heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk 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. Damage and malfunctions can be the outcome of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be negatively affected if the sensitive electronics are compromised by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal irritation
Winter air tends to be dry, both outside and indoors due to heating systems. This dryness can cause your skin, including the skin in your ear canal, to become aggravated, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more prevalent during the colder months.
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. You will keep your hearing aids in top condition and you will be more comfortable by making these practices habit.
Keep your hearing aids safe and dry
In order to maintain your auditory activation, it’s crucial that you wear your hearing aids daily, even if it’s rainy or snowy.
However, to protect them:
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
- Utilize a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to remove any moisture.
- Consider using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
Continue to be active socially
Winter isolation can be tempting, but remaining socially active is essential for your hearing health. Your brain’s auditory processing will remain sharp and active by engaging in conversation and attending social events. Even simple activities like meeting friends for coffee or watching a movie can boost cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s necessary to practice good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s essential that you keep your ears clean and dry.
Here are a number of key tips:
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears carefully with a towel.
- Utilize a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
- The danger of injury is increased by using cotton swabs which can pack earwax further into your ear canal and should never be used.
Manage winter illnesses to safeguard your ears
During the winter you’re more susceptible to sickness like the cold and flu so it’s important to take some extra safety measures:
- Clean your hands frequently to reduce exposure to germs.
- Reinforce your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
- Think about getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
For advice personalized to your needs, contact us
If you detect increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or problems with your hearing aids, reach out to us. We will get your hearing aids ready for winter, provide personalized solutions, and assess any concerns you may have. Minor issues can be identified early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the challenges of the season.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
