Winter is a beautiful season filled with frosty air, holiday cheer, and comfy indoor get-togethers. However, the nippy months also bring distinctive challenges for your ears and hearing health. When it’s chilly, safeguarding your hearing is crucial, whether you’re out in the bitter cold wind or dealing with the challenges of protecting your health from illness.
Winter comes with additional challenges for people who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working condition by making use of a few protective measures.
Hearing and hearing aids can be negatively impacted by cold weather
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 necessary steps to protect your hearing health.
Your risk of getting an ear infection rises
Winter weather frequently leads to ear infections because of temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to indoor germs. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can quickly cool and generate an environment conducive to infection. The risk of respiratory illnesses is also elevated by spending more time inside, increasing exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather has lots of potential hazards. Damage and malfunctions can be the result of rain, snow, and condensation from cold air. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be detrimentally affected if the sensitive electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
Winter air tends to be dry, both outdoors and inside because of heating systems. In the winter, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and overall discomfort.
Tips 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 utilizing some simple tips. Implementing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices functioning optimally.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
Even in snowy or rainy conditions, it’s crucial to wear your hearing aids daily to preserve auditory activation.
Here are some key ways to safeguard them:
- Quick temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
- Utilize a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to remove any moisture.
- Think about utilizing a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
Continue to be active socially
Even though it may be tempting to stay inside and isolated during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining involved socially. Your brain’s auditory processing will remain sharp and active by participating in conversation and attending social events. Even simple activities like meeting friends for coffee or watching a movie can enhance 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 several tips to help you accomplish that:
- The risk of injury is increased by using cotton swabs which can force earwax further into your ear canal and should never be used.
- Utilize a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if necessary.
- Carefully dry your ears with a towel after being exposed to moisture.
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:
- Stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet to bolster your immune system.
- In order to decrease your exposure to germs, clean your hands regularly.
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded inside spaces if necessary.
Consult us for tailored advice
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 customized solutions, and assess any concerns you might have. Minor issues can be detected early before they intensify allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Call us today to schedule an appointment.
