Winter is here! Tis the season where we’re hustling around before the holidays, calculating how many layers needed to combat the wind chill, and now you have to start thinking about how you can minimize the negative effects of winter on your hearing.
The winter season—and our strategies for dealing with it—can pose significant and harmful risks to your hearing, and if you use a hearing aid, it’s not immune. Fortunately, there are simple measures you can take to reduce the adverse impact of winter on your hearing.
How winter impact your ears, hearing, and hearing devices
If you’re anything like me, sometimes it feels like winter is out to get you. It’s cold, it’s windy, it’s dry (maybe your skin itches like crazy). And now it’s coming for your hearing.
The winter season does pose serious risks to both your hearing and any hearing devices you may be using.
Ear infections are more common in the winter. Even small amounts of liquid in your ear can turn into an infection in the winter.
People tend to get ill more often in the winter. It’s not necessarily because you are cold. It’s because you stay inside (where it’s warm) and, well, so does everyone else! The germs are all contained inside your workspace, your living space, your eating space–just ready to spread! (Washing your hands regularly can help protect you in the winter.)
So how can you take care of yourself? You know the possible negative effects, but what can you do about it?
There are several steps you can take to minimize the detrimental effects that winter might have on your hearing:
Keep your hearing aids dry
It’s a good idea to wear your hearing aids during the day, even outside. But if it’s wet or snowing, you’ll want to make sure you’re placing those hearing aids in a dehumidifying storage container in order to mitigate any damage the moisture from the snow may have caused.
Don’t skip out on social activities
Force yourself to get out in the winter. You don’t have to go running or skiing. Doing things as simple as lunch with friends or trips to the movies helps keep your brain engaged and your hearing cognition on track.
Maintain good ear hygiene
Keep your ears nice and clean—and dry. A towel and your finger will do the trick. Do not use ear swabs to do this, as they are not good for your ears.
Talk with a hearing specialist about your concerns
If you’re experiencing persistent ear infections or encountering difficulties with your hearing aids, it’s crucial to bring these concerns up with your hearing specialist. This way, you can strategize and ensure that you’re well-prepared and comfortable in varying weather conditions. While winter can be challenging, taking a few precautions can go a long way in reducing its adverse effects on your hearing.