Winter is a beautiful season full of frosty air, holiday cheer, and comfy indoor get-togethers. However, the chilly months also bring distinctive challenges for your ears and the health of your hearing. When it’s chilly, safeguarding your hearing is essential, whether you’re out in the freezing cold wind or dealing with the challenges of safeguarding your health from sickness.
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 impact 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 appropriate steps to safeguard your hearing health.
Your risk of getting an ear infection rises
Winter weather often results in ear infections due to temperature fluctuations and increased exposure to inside 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 elevated by spending more time inside, heightening exposure to germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Hearing aid risks when it’s cold
You’re more likely to encounter wet weather conditions in the winter which can expose your hearing aids to potentially damaging moisture. 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 sensitive electronics are compromised by moisture.
The ear canal can be aggravated by dry air
The outside winter air tends to be dry and indoor air can also be dry because of heating systems. This dryness can cause your skin, including the skin in your ear canal, to become aggravated, flaky, or itchy, making ear discomfort more prevalent during the colder months.
Tips to protect your hearing this winter
Fortunately, a few basic strategies can help decrease the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. Employing these habits will keep you comfortable and your hearing devices working optimally.
Keep your hearing aids safe and dry
In order to maintain your auditory activation, it’s essential that you wear your hearing aids every day, even if it’s rainy or snowy.
However, to safeguard them:
- Consider using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to safeguard them from snow and wind.
- Refrain exposing hearing aids to quick temperature changes, as this can cause condensation.
- Eliminate moisture accumulation by storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifying container overnight.
Continue to be involved socially
Winter isolation can be tempting, but remaining socially active is essential for your hearing health. Participating in conversations and attending social events helps keep your brain’s auditory processing sharp. Hearing retention and mental function can even be maintained by watching a movie or having coffee with friends.
Practice good ear hygiene
Keeping clean and dry ears is essential during winter.
Here are a few key tips:
- Make use of a soft cloth and warm water to clean around the ear opening if needed.
- Gently dry your ears with a towel after exposure to moisture.
- Avoid utilizing cotton swabs, which can jam wax deeper into the ear canal and raise the risk of injury.
Manage winter illnesses to safeguard your ears
During the winter you’re more vulnerable to illnesses like the cold and flu so it’s essential to take a few extra precautions:
- Consider getting a flu vaccine and wearing a mask in crowded inside spaces if necessary.
- In order to decrease your exposure to germs, wash your hands frequently.
- Bolster your immune system by preserving a healthy diet and keeping well hydrated.
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 can review your concerns, provide tailored solutions, and ensure your devices are ready for winter. Minor issues can be identified early before they escalate allowing you to be ready for the challenges of the season.
Schedule an appointment for an evaluation today.
