As the temperature drops, most people tend to bundle up to protect themselves from the cold. However, what many people need to realize is that cold weather poses a big threat to their hearing ability. The winter months can cause serious health damage to your ears if not properly protected. Learn more about the winter hazards and tips on protecting your ears.
Cold Temperatures
The cold temperature itself poses a threat to your inner ear, which can cause earaches and tinnitus. This is because sudden drop in temperature can cause the fluids in your ear canal to expand or contract, leading to damage. Therefore, it is essential to keep your ears warm by wearing a hat, earmuffs, or ear warmers.
Wind Chills
The strong gusts of wind during winter can cause damage to your inner ear and increase the risk of hearing loss. The wind can also cause earaches and ear infections. Therefore, it is essential to cover your ears with a scarf or a hood to reduce the effect of the wind.
Earwax Build-Up
With colder temperatures, we tend to produce more earwax that can cause blockages leading to hearing problems. Since people tend to wear hats and earmuffs in winter, it can push the earwax further into the ear canal. To prevent this, use ear drops to soften the wax and clean your ears gently with a cotton bud.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when body tissues and fluids freeze, and the cells are damaged, leading to permanent tissue damage. When the skin on your ears freezes, it can cause hearing loss due to damage to the ear canal’s delicate tissues. Therefore, it is important to wear hearing protection like ear muffs or hats when outdoors in winter. If you experience numbness or tingling in your ears, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately.
Outdoor Activities
Winter activities, such as skiing and snowmobiling, can also lead to hearing damage. The snowmobile’s sound can cause temporary deafness, while the noise from ski lifts and snow cannons can lead to permanent hearing loss. In such cases, wearing earplugs to reduce the noise level and protect your ears is best.
Protect Your Hearing Health Today
Protecting your ears during winter is essential. Following the tips above can protect you and your loved ones from the hazards of winter affecting your hearing. To ensure your hearing health, make sure to have regular hearing checkups and consult our specialists for any hearing-related concerns at Beltone Chicago. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and protecting your ears during winter is crucial. Stay warm, stay safe, and protect your hearing ability!
