The charm of the winter season is all about crisp cool air, getting cozy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday gatherings. However, the chilly months also bring unique challenges for your ears and hearing health. When it’s cold, protecting your hearing is essential, whether you’re out in the bitter cold wind or dealing with the challenges of protecting your health from sickness.
Winter comes with added challenges for individuals who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working order by using a few protective measures.
The effect 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.
Greater risk of ear infections
Winter weather frequently leads to 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 quickly cool and create an environment favorable to infection. Also, spending more time inside heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses that can impact ear health.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather is full of potential hazards. 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 impacted if the fragile electronics are compromised by moisture.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
The outside winter air tends to be dry and inside air can also be dry because of 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 during the colder months.
Safeguard your hearing this winter with these guidelines
Luckily, a few simple strategies can help decrease 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 putting these strategies into practice.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
In order to maintain your auditory activation, 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:
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
- Make use of a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to get rid of any moisture.
- Think about utilizing a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to safeguard them from snow and wind.
Remain social and active
Even though it might be tempting to stay inside and secluded during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining active socially. Your brain’s auditory processing will remain strong and active by engaging in conversation and going to social events. Hearing retention and cognitive function can even be preserved by seeing a movie or having coffee with friends.
Maintain good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s important that you keep your ears clean and dry.
The following are several tips to help you do just that:
- The risk of injury is increased by the use of cotton swabs which can pack earwax further into your ear canal and should never be utilized.
- If necessary, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
Safeguard your ears by managing your winter sickness
Since colds and flu are common during the winter, take extra precautions to avoid infections that can impact your ears:
- In order to reduce your exposure to germs, wash your hands frequently.
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
- Stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet to support your immune system.
For advice personalized to your needs, contact us
If you notice increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or issues with your hearing aids, get in touch with us. We can assess your concerns, provide personalized solutions, and ensure your devices are ready for winter. Minor problems can be detected early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the challenges of the season.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.