Winter is a beautiful season full of frosty air, holiday merriment, and cozy indoor gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can experience some real challenges during the chilly winter months. When it’s cold, protecting your hearing is crucial, whether you’re out in the bitter cold wind or dealing with the challenges of safeguarding your health from sickness.
For those who rely on hearing aids, winter presents extra concerns, but with a few proactive measures, you can protect your hearing and hearing aids throughout the season.
The impact 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. Understanding these risks can help you take the necessary measures to protect your hearing health.
Greater risk of ear infections
Winter weather frequently results in ear infections as a result 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 susceptible to an infection. The risk of respiratory illnesses is also increased by spending more time indoors, increasing exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather is full of potential hazards. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can lead to malfunctions or damage. Without appropriate care, moisture can damage the fragile electronics in hearing aids, decreasing their lifespan or functionality.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
The outdoor winter air tends to be dry and inside air can also be dry due to heating systems. During the cold months, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and general discomfort.
Guidelines to protect your hearing this winter
Luckily, a few basic 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 your hearing aids safe and dry
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 safeguard them:
- Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
- You can shield your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
- Use a dehumidifying storage compartment overnight to eliminate any moisture.
Stay social and active
Although it may be tempting to stay inside and secluded during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining active socially. Partaking in conversations and attending social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing strong. Hearing retention and mental function can even be preserved by watching a movie or having coffee with friends.
Maintain good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s essential 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 pack earwax further into your ear canal and should never be utilized.
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
- Use a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
Manage winter sicknesses to safeguard your ears
Since colds and flu are common in winter, take extra care to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded inside spaces if necessary.
- Keep hydrated and follow a healthy diet to support your immune system.
- Wash your hands regularly to reduce exposure to germs.
For advice personalized to your needs, contact us
Get in touch with 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 winter-ready, provide customized solutions, and assess any concerns you may have. Routine check-ups help catch minor problems before they get worse, keeping you prepared for the season’s challenges.
Call us today to schedule an appointment.