Winter is a wonderful season filled with frosty air, holiday cheer, and comfy indoor gatherings. However, the nippy months also bring distinctive challenges for your ears and the health of your hearing. When it’s chilly, 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.
Winter comes with increased 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.
The effect of winter on hearing and hearing aids
Winter’s cold temperatures and harsh conditions can affect your ears and hearing devices in a number of ways. You will be better able to safeguard your hearing health against the effect of cold weather if you have a clear understanding of the risks.
Increased risk of ear infections
As a result of fluctuating temperatures and indoor 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 vulnerable to an infection. The risk of respiratory illnesses is also increased by spending more time indoors, 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. Snow, rain, and even condensation from cold air can cause malfunctions or damage. A hearing aid’s functionality and lifespan can be detrimentally impacted if the fragile electronics are compromised by moisture.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
Winter air tends to be dry, both outdoors and indoors because 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 in the winter.
Safeguard your hearing this winter with these tips
Luckily, a few basic approaches 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 making these practices habit.
Keep your hearing aids safe and dry
Even in rainy or snowy conditions, it’s important to wear your hearing aids every day to maintain auditory activation.
However, to safeguard them:
- Refrain exposing hearing aids to fast temperature changes, as this can cause condensation.
- Remove moisture accumulation by storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifying compartment overnight.
- You can shield your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
Stay social and active
Although it might be tempting to stay inside and isolated during the cold months, your hearing health depends on you remaining active socially. Your brain’s auditory processing will remain sharp and active by participating in conversation and attending social events. Hearing retention and mental function can even be maintained by watching a movie or having coffee with friends.
It’s necessary to practice good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is crucial during winter.
Here are a number of key tips:
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears gently with a towel.
- 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 used.
- Make use of a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
Manage winter illnesses to protect your ears
Since colds and flu are prevalent during the winter, take extra precautions to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support your immune system.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and think about getting a flu vaccine.
- Clean your hands frequently to decrease exposure to germs.
Consult us for customized advice
Reach out to us for a consultation if you’ve noticed any problems with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or frequent ear infections. We will get your hearing aids ready for winter, provide personalized solutions, and evaluate any concerns you might have. Minor problems can be identified early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Call us today to schedule an appointment.
