Winter is a beautiful season full of frosty air, holiday merriment, and comfy indoor get-togethers. However, the chilly months also bring distinctive challenges for your ears and hearing health. Whether you’re dealing with the bitter cold, blustery winds, or increased risk of illness, protecting your hearing becomes essential.
For those who depend on hearing aids, winter poses added concerns, but with a few hands-on measures, you can safeguard your hearing and hearing aids throughout the season.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively impacted by cold weather
There are a number of ways that your ears and hearing aids can be impacted by winter’s cold conditions. Understanding these risks can help you take the necessary steps to safeguard your hearing health.
Increased risk of ear infections
Winter weather often leads to ear infections because of temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to indoor germs. Moisture inside of your ear can, when exposed to cold air, quickly cool down leaving your ears more vulnerable to an 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 plenty 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 adversely affected if the delicate electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
The ear canal can be aggravated by dry air
Winter air tends to be dry, both outside and inside as a result 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 common during the colder months.
Guidelines to protect your hearing this winter
The good news is that the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids can be minimized by using some simple tips. 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 important that you wear your hearing aids every day, even if it’s snowing or raining.
Here are some key ways to protect them:
- Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
- Use a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to get rid of any moisture.
- You can safeguard your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
Remain social and active
Winter isolation can be tempting, but staying socially involved is necessary for your hearing health. Your brain’s auditory processing will remain strong and active by participating in conversation and going to social events. Even basic activities like meeting friends for coffee or seeing a movie can boost cognitive function and hearing retention.
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:
- Use a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if necessary.
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears gently with a towel.
- Avoid utilizing cotton swabs, which can pack wax deeper into the ear canal and raise the danger of injury.
Safeguard your ears by controlling your winter sickness
In the winter you’re more prone to illnesses like the cold and flu so it’s important to take some extra safety measures:
- In order to reduce your exposure to germs, wash your hands frequently.
- Keep hydrated and practice a healthy diet to bolster your immune system.
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
Consult us for personalized advice
Reach out to us for a consultation if you’ve detected any problems with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or frequent ear infections. We will get your hearing aids ready for winter, offer customized solutions, and assess any concerns you might have. Minor problems can be identified early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Schedule an appointment for an evaluation today.
