Winter is a wonderful season full of frosty air, holiday merriment, and cozy indoor gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can experience some real challenges during the nippy winter months. Whether you’re dealing with the bitter cold, whipping winds, or increased risk of illness, protecting your hearing becomes essential.
Winter comes with increased challenges for people who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working order by making use of a few protective measures.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively impacted by cold weather
Winter’s cold temperatures and harsh conditions can affect your ears and hearing devices in several ways. You will be better able to safeguard your hearing health against the impact of cold weather if you have a clear picture of the risks.
Your risk of getting an ear infection rises
As a result of fluctuating temperatures and inside germ exposure, infections are more likely during the winter. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can quickly cool and generate an environment favorable to infection. Additionally, spending more time inside heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, raising the danger of respiratory illnesses that can affect ear health.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
You’re more likely to experience wet weather conditions in the winter which can expose your hearing aids to potentially detrimental moisture. Damage and malfunctions can be the outcome of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. Without proper care, moisture can jeopardize the sensitive electronics in hearing aids, reducing their lifespan or functionality.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
The outside winter air tends to be dry and indoor air can also be dry 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.
Protect your hearing this winter with these guidelines
Fortunately, a few basic approaches can help minimize the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. You will keep your hearing aids in peak 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 important that you wear your hearing aids daily, even if it’s rainy or snowy.
Here are some key ways to safeguard them:
- Quick temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
- Think about using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to safeguard them from snow and wind.
- Remove moisture accumulation by storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifying container overnight.
Stay social and active
Even though it might be tempting to stay inside and isolated during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining involved socially. Partaking in conversations and attending social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing sharp. Even basic 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
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:
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears carefully with a towel.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can jam wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the danger of injury.
- If necessary, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
Protect your ears by managing your winter sickness
Since colds and flu are prevalent during the winter, take extra steps to avoid infections that can impact your ears:
- Reinforce your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
- In order to reduce your exposure to germs, clean your hands regularly.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and consider getting a flu vaccine.
For advice personalized to your needs, contact us
If you notice increased ear discomfort, frequent ear infections, or problems with your hearing aids, reach out to us. We can assess your concerns, offer tailored solutions, and ensure your devices are ready for winter. Routine check-ups help catch minor problems before they escalate, keeping you prepared for the season’s difficulties.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.