The beauty of the winter season is all about crisp cool air, getting comfy in your warm home, and cheerful holiday gatherings. However, the chilly months also bring distinctive challenges for your ears and the health of your hearing. Whether you’re dealing with the bitter cold, blustery winds, or increased risk of illness, safeguarding your hearing becomes essential.
Winter comes with additional challenges for individuals who use hearing aids, but you can keep your hearing aids in good working condition by using a few protective measures.
The effect of winter on hearing and hearing aids
Winter’s cold temperatures and harsh 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 impact of cold weather if you have a clear picture of the risks.
Your risk of getting an ear infection increases
Winter weather often leads to ear infections as a result of 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. Additionally, spending more time indoors heightens exposure to viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses that can affect ear health.
Cold weather and moisture risks for hearing aids
Hearing aids are sensitive to 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 detrimentally impacted if the fragile electronics are compromised by moisture.
The ear canal can be aggravated by dry air
The outdoor winter air tends to be dry and inside 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 in the winter.
Guidelines to protect your hearing this winter
Luckily, a few basic strategies can help decrease the impact of winter on your ears and hearing aids. You will keep your hearing aids in top condition and you will be more comfortable by putting these strategies into practice.
Keep hearing aids dry and safe
In order to preserve your auditory stimulation, it’s crucial that you wear your hearing aids daily, even if it’s snowing or raining.
However, to safeguard them:
- Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to build-up so avoid them whenever possible.
- Eliminate moisture accumulation by keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifying container overnight.
- Think about using a protective cover or sleeve for your hearing aids to shield them from snow and wind.
Continue to be involved socially
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 strong and active by engaging in conversation and going to social events. Even basic activities like meeting friends for coffee or seeing a movie can improve cognitive function and hearing retention.
It’s necessary to maintain good ear hygiene
Maintaining clean and dry ears is crucial during winter.
Here are a few key tips:
- The risk of injury is increased by using cotton swabs which can pack earwax further into your ear canal and should never be utilized.
- After you have been exposed to moisture, dry your ears gently with a towel.
- If needed, clean around the ear openings with a soft cloth and warm water.
Manage winter illnesses to safeguard your ears
During the winter you’re more susceptible to sickness like the cold and flu so it’s essential to take some extra precautions:
- Keep hydrated and follow a healthy diet to bolster your immune system.
- Wash your hands frequently to reduce exposure to germs.
- If necessary, wear a mask in crowded places and consider getting a flu vaccine.
Consult us for personalized advice
Reach out to 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, provide customized solutions, and evaluate any concerns you might have. Regular check-ups help catch minor issues before they get worse, keeping you prepared for the season’s difficulties.
Call us today to schedule an appointment.