The beauty of the winter season is all about crisp cool air, getting cozy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday get-togethers. Your ears and hearing, however, can face some real challenges during the nippy winter months. When it’s chilly, safeguarding your hearing is crucial, whether you’re out in the freezing cold wind or dealing with the challenges of safeguarding your health from illness.
Winter comes with added 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
There are a number of ways that your ears and hearing aids can be impacted by winter’s cold conditions. Identifying these risks can help you take the appropriate steps to safeguard your hearing health.
Your risk of getting an ear infection increases
Winter weather frequently leads to ear infections due to 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 inside, heightening exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and winter weather is full 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 fragile electronics are jeopardized by moisture.
Dry air and ear canal irritation
Winter air tends to be dry, both outdoors and inside due to heating systems. This dryness can cause your skin, including the skin in your ear canal, to become inflamed, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more prevalent in the winter.
Guidelines to protect your hearing this winter
The good news is that the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids can be decreased by using some simple tips. 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 snowy or rainy conditions, it’s crucial to wear your hearing aids every day to maintain auditory stimulation.
However, to safeguard them:
- You can shield your device from wind and snow by utilizing a protective sleeve or cover.
- Eliminate moisture accumulation by storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifying compartment overnight.
- Refrain exposing hearing aids to quick temperature changes, as this can cause condensation.
Stay social and active
Winter isolation can be tempting, but remaining socially involved is necessary for your hearing health. Engaging in conversations and going to 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.
Practice good ear hygiene
During the winter, it’s essential that you keep your ears clean and dry.
Here are a number of key tips:
- The risk of injury is increased by using cotton swabs which can jam 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.
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears carefully with a towel.
Safeguard your ears by controlling your winter illnesses
Since colds and flu are common during the winter, take extra measures to avoid infections that can affect your ears:
- Wash your hands regularly to decrease exposure to germs.
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded inside spaces if necessary.
- Bolster your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
For advice personalized to your needs, contact us
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 winter-ready, provide personalized solutions, and assess any concerns you might have. Routine check-ups help catch minor issues before they get worse, keeping you prepared for the season’s challenges.
Schedule an appointment for an evaluation today.