The beauty of the winter season is all about crisp cool air, getting comfy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday gatherings. Your ears and hearing, however, can face some real challenges during the chilly winter months. Whether you’re combating the bitter cold, whipping winds, or increased risk of illness, safeguarding your hearing becomes crucial.
Winter comes with additional challenges for people who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working order by using a few protective measures.
The effect of winter on hearing and hearing aids
Winter’s cold temperatures and severe conditions can impact 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 picture of the risks.
Greater risk of ear infections
Winter weather often leads to ear infections due to temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to inside germs. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can quickly cool and produce an environment conducive to infection. Additionally, spending more time inside heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses that can affect ear health.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
Hearing aids can be damaged by moisture, and winter weather has plenty 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 negatively affected if the fragile electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
The ear canal can be irritated by dry air
The outdoor winter air tends to be dry and indoor air can also be dry because of heating systems. In the winter, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and overall discomfort.
Tips to safeguard 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. Employing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices working optimally.
Keep your hearing aids safe and dry
Even in rainy or snowy weather, it’s important to wear your hearing aids every day to maintain auditory activation.
Here are some key ways to protect them:
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
- Think about utilizing a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
- Remove moisture accumulation by keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifying container overnight.
Stay social and active
Winter withdrawal 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. Even simple activities like meeting friends for coffee or watching a movie can improve cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s important to 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:
- The danger of injury is increased by using cotton swabs which can pack earwax further into your ear canal and should never be used.
- If needed, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after being exposed to moisture.
Protect your ears by managing your winter sickness
In the winter you’re more susceptible to illnesses like the cold and flu so it’s important to take a few extra safety measures:
- In order to decrease your exposure to germs, wash your hands regularly.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to bolster your immune system.
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if necessary.
Consult us for personalized advice
Get in touch with us for a consultation if you’ve detected any issues with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or regular ear infections. We will get your hearing aids winter-ready, offer customized solutions, and assess any concerns you might 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.