How to Keep Your Ears Well Protected Through the Winter

Dangers to Your Ears in Winter

Our ears have to endure a lot in the winter: not just the cold and wind at low or freezing temperatures, but also wetness and humidity, as well as loud noises—such as those from snow blowers—which pose risks to our ears during the winter.

Winter is a challenge for our immune system, as well as our throat, nose, and ears. Not only does our hearing have to withstand cold and damp conditions, but high noise levels often pose a major challenge as well—such as when using a snow blower. A snowblower can reach levels of more than 100 decibels, potentially causing noise-induced hearing loss. Even attending an ice hockey game—though this is less likely right now due to COVID-19—poses a risk to your ears in winter because of the high volume. In a sports arena like an ice hockey stadium, noise levels can exceed 120 decibels. This noise usually doesn’t immediately result in noticeable hearing damage, but it can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus over the long term.

With the right hearing protection, you can safeguard your hearing and reduce the risks to your ears in winter. In addition to earplugs, earmuffs or noise-canceling headphones are also suitable. Furthermore, there are several ways you can protect your ears from cold, wetness, and moisture, thereby reducing health risks in winter.

Why is the cold so dangerous for our ears?

Cold weather reduces blood flow to and within the ear. This makes it much easier for bacteria and viruses to take hold. In addition, the muscles in the throat and neck can tense up due to a cold head. Persistent muscle tension can thus lead to hearing disorders such as tinnitus in the deep temporomandibular joint area. Furthermore, cold and wind can irritate your ear canal, which quickly leads to pain in the outer part of the ear. Water in the ears exacerbates this process. And because the skin on the ears is particularly thin and lacks protective fatty tissue, our ears cool down very quickly in the cold. At temperatures below freezing, this can quickly lead to minor or more severe frostbite on the outer ears.

How can I protect my ears in the winter?

Our tips will help you minimize the risks to your ears in winter caused by cold and moisture:

• Headwear:Wearing a hat, a multifunctional scarf, a headband, earmuffs, or a ski helmet, you ensure that the mucous membranes remain well supplied with blood, reducing the risk of infection—such as a middle ear infection—while also preventing cold-related pain in the outer ear and protecting your ears from frostbite. A Buff can also be used as a face covering, scarf, or simple mask.
• Avoid cotton balls: Cotton balls in the ear offer no protection against the cold. They can even cause an ear canal infection because the cotton blocks proper ventilation of the ear canal. This creates a warm, moist environment that serves as a breeding ground for pathogens.
• Dry your ear canal: After showering or bathing, you should always dry your ear canal thoroughly before exposing yourself to cold temperatures. This works well with a towel or a hair dryer.
• Cold ears:Mild frostbite on the outer ear is painful, but it usually goes away quickly in a heated room. Gently massaging your ears stimulates blood flow, which helps them warm up. If you already have more severe frostbite, you should definitely see a doctor.
• Don’t wear earrings: It’s best to avoid wearing earrings during extended periods in the cold. This is because metal absorbs the cold more quickly, causing your ears to cool down especially fast. In addition, earrings often get caught on hats or scarves. You could injure yourself or lose your jewelry in the sleet.
• Healthy diet and plenty of exercise:A healthy diet and plenty of exercise stimulate your blood circulation—which also benefits your ears, throat, and nose.
• Go outside and take a deep breath:Go outside regularly in the winter, especially this year. Take deep, vigorous breaths in the woods or a park. This relaxes and strengthens your immune system and your hearing.

Helpful Tips for Hearing Aid Users in Winter

Be sure to wear your hearing aids, especially now—otherwise, you won’t hear cars or cyclists approaching in the winter. Plus, with a hat and mask on, you’ll only catch half of what’s being said, and without your hearing aids, you’ll have trouble shopping, chatting, or enjoying recreational sports. If possible, adjust your hearing aids accordingly. Be sure to always keep your ears and hearing aids warm. Wearing appropriate headwear not only keeps your ears warm but also prevents your hearing aid batteries from getting cold. To be on the safe side, you should always have spare batteries on hand during the winter. If the batteries are cold, let them warm up for a few minutes after opening the package—for example, in your pants pocket or in your closed hand—before inserting them into the hearing aid. However, never use a lighter or similar device to warm up your hearing aid.

Moisture, in particular, can cause minor problems with hearing aids in the winter. Nevertheless, you should never place your hearing aids on a heater after a prolonged stay in the cold. There are special drying stations available that prevent damage from condensation. Water-resistant hearing aids are better equipped to handle cold temperatures and the transition from outdoors to indoors in winter.

To learn how a balanced diet can improve your hearing, read the article “5 Diet Tips for Healthy Hearing.”