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. Whether you’re combating the bitter cold, blustery winds, or increased risk of illness, safeguarding your hearing becomes crucial.
Winter comes with added challenges for individuals who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working condition by using a few protective measures.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively affected by cold weather
Winter’s cold temperatures and harsh conditions can affect your ears and hearing devices in a number of ways. Identifying these risks can help you take the necessary measures to safeguard your hearing health.
Greater risk of ear infections
Because of fluctuating temperatures and inside germ exposure, infections are more likely when it’s winter. Moisture inside of your ear can, when exposed to cold air, cool down quickly leaving your ears more susceptible to an infection. Also, spending more time indoors elevates exposure to viruses and bacteria, raising the danger of respiratory illnesses that can impact ear health.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather has plenty of potential hazards. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can result in malfunctions or damage. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be negatively affected if the sensitive electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal discomfort
The outdoor winter air tends to be dry and inside air can also be dry as a result of heating systems. During the cold months, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and general discomfort.
Protect your hearing this winter with these guidelines
Fortunately, a few simple approaches can help minimize the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. Employing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices functioning optimally.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
Even in snowy or rainy weather, it’s crucial to wear your hearing aids every day to maintain auditory activation.
However, to protect them:
- Use a dehumidifying storage container overnight to remove any moisture.
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
- You can safeguard your device from wind and snow by using a protective sleeve or cover.
Continue to be active socially
Winter isolation can be tempting, but staying socially active is essential for your hearing health. Partaking in conversations and going to social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing sharp. Hearing retention and cognitive function can even be preserved by watching a movie or having coffee with friends.
Practice good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s important 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.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which can jam wax deeper into the ear canal and raise the danger of injury.
- If necessary, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
Manage winter illnesses to safeguard your ears
Since colds and flu are prevalent in winter, take extra steps to avoid infections that can impact your ears:
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and think about getting a flu vaccine.
- Wash your hands regularly to reduce exposure to germs.
- Support your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
For advice custom-tailored to your needs, contact us
Reach out to us for a consultation if you’ve detected any issues with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or frequent ear infections. We can review your concerns, provide tailored solutions, and ensure your devices are winter-ready. Minor issues can be detected early before they intensify allowing you to be ready for the challenges of the season.
Schedule an appointment for a consultation today.