Winter is a wonderful season filled with frosty air, holiday cheer, and cozy indoor get-togethers. Your ears and hearing, however, can experience some real challenges during the chilly winter months. Whether you’re combating the bitter cold, whipping winds, or increased risk of illness, protecting your hearing becomes essential.
For those who depend on hearing aids, winter poses added concerns, but with a few hands-on measures, you can protect your hearing and hearing aids throughout the season.
The effect of winter on hearing and hearing aids
Winter’s cold temperatures and severe conditions can affect your ears and hearing devices in a number of ways. Identifying these risks can help you take the necessary measures to protect your hearing health.
Greater risk of ear infections
Because of fluctuating temperatures and inside germ exposure, infections are more likely during the winter. When your ears are exposed to cold air, any moisture inside can cool quickly and create an environment favorable to infection. The risk of respiratory illnesses is also increased by spending more time inside, increasing exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather has lots 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 detrimentally impacted if the delicate electronics are compromised by moisture.
The ear canal can be aggravated by dry air
Winter air tends to be dry, both outside and indoors as a result of heating systems. In the winter, the skin of your ear canal can dry out causing itching, flaking, and general discomfort.
Tips to protect your hearing this winter
Fortunately, a few simple approaches can help decrease the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. Implementing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices working optimally.
Keep your hearing aids safe and dry
Even in rainy or snowy conditions, it’s essential to wear your hearing aids daily to maintain auditory stimulation.
However, to safeguard them:
- Eliminate moisture accumulation by keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifying compartment overnight.
- You can safeguard your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
- Quick temperature changes can cause condensation to accumulate so avoid them whenever possible.
Stay social and active
Winter isolation can be tempting, but staying socially active is necessary for your hearing health. 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 seeing a movie or having coffee with friends.
It’s necessary to maintain good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
The following are a few tips to help you accomplish that:
- Avoid utilizing cotton swabs, which can jam wax deeper into the ear canal and raise the risk of injury.
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
- Make use of a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if necessary.
Manage winter sicknesses to safeguard your ears
In the winter you’re more vulnerable to sickness like the cold and flu so it’s essential to take a few extra precautions:
- Keep hydrated and practice a healthy diet to bolster your immune system.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and consider getting a flu vaccine.
- In order to reduce your exposure to germs, clean your hands frequently.
Consult us for tailored advice
Reach out to us for a consultation if you’ve noticed any issues with your hearing aids, ear discomfort, or regular ear infections. We will get your hearing aids winter-ready, provide personalized solutions, and assess any concerns you may have. Minor issues can be identified early before they intensify allowing you to be ready for the difficulties of the season.
Call us today to schedule an appointment.