How to Take Care of Your Hearing in Winter

We may have a romantic picture-postcard view of winter, but the rigours of this harshest of seasons can wreak havoc on our ears and hearing. Take a look at our tips for protecting your hearing in the winter this year.

What happens to our ears and hearing in winter?

Because our ears consist of largely skin-covered cartilage, they lack the fleshy protection afforded the rest of our body against the cold. As a result, we can experience irritation, discomfort and pain when exposed to chill winds and icy cold weather. Not only that, but there is a condition called Exostosis, an abnormal bone growth caused by exposure to cold which can lead to hearing loss. Finally, tinnitus can be caused or aggravated by wintry conditions, the product of a build of pressure from seasonal colds or changes in circulation, exacerbated by the cold.

How to look after your hearing in winter

1. Avoid the coldest of temperatures

Keep your forays into the ice and snow to a minimum unless they are essential. You will often find that the temperature rises later in the day, so be selective about when you step outside to safeguard your hearing in winter.

2. Wrap up warm

Protect against the possibility of infection, blockages or even hearing loss by wearing a hat, scarf and earmuffs. A warm body will also be more able to ward off colds and viruses, debilitating and affecting your sinuses and auditory system.

3. Take extra precautions to boost your health

Whilst your ears are particularly vulnerable to infection, it is worth boosting your immune system. Supplements that aid your immune systems, such as zinc, vitamin C, D, as well as probiotics, are worth considering. Healthy eating with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre, increased activity levels, and adequate sleep will help.

4. Look after your hearing aids

Cold weather can impact your hearing aids too. The extremes of temperatures can cause condensation and subsequent damage.  Clean them regularly and open the battery compartment to allow them to dry out. Some audiologists will also sell dehumidifiers to accelerate the drying process.

5. Consider microsuction ear wax removal

Winter ailments can lead to excess wax. That, in turn, can lead to blocked ears, a temporary hearing loss and either the onset of tinnitus or the re-ignition of pre-existing tinnitus. An audiologist will perform the simple process of wax removal to give you instant relief for your hearing in winter.

6. Talk with your AIHHP independent audiologist

AIHHP member audiologists are hearing experts and offer help, advice, or a hearing check all year round, especially during challenging winter weather. Don’t suffer in silence.