Tips for Protecting Your Ears During Winter: From Cold Winds to Indoor Dryness
After the holidays, as we settle back into routine, it's important to remember that the winter season, while a time for celebration, also presents some health challenges. The colder air can increase the risk of ear infections, discomfort, and sensitivity, making it essential to take care of your health as the temperatures drop.
How Cold Temperatures Impact Ear Health
The colder temperatures of the winter season can have a drastic impact on various aspects of your health, your ears included.
Unlike the rest of the body, which stores a lot of layers of fat, our ears are mostly made of cartilage. The lack of insulating fat makes the ears more vulnerable to the cold. This means the ears get cold much more easily than other parts of our body. Extended periods of exposure to the cold without proper protection can easily make the ears uncomfortable and painful.
While cold temperatures don’t exactly cause ear infections, they do put the ears more at risk. Throat and sinus infections can spread to the ears when we spend a lot of time out in the cold without proper means to keep the ears warm and protected.
Ear infections are painful and uncomfortable. They can cause muffled hearing, temporary hearing loss, and issues with balance.
If you enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding or simply enjoying winter festivities with friends and family, it is crucial to keep in mind a few practical tips on how you can protect your ears during harsh winter seasons.
Protect Your Ears During Winter With These Tips
- Stay hydrated and moisturized
The cold winter wind can dehydrate your body and skin, including the skin on your ears. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated – this will also transfer the hydration to the skin on your ears.
Additionally, as you do your skincare daily, don’t forget that your ears can benefit from moisturizing skin products as well. Use gentle and unscented moisturizers for the skin of the ears. Apply the product gently around the ear areas, avoiding the ear canal.
- Keep ears dry
Moisture and cold weather are horrible combinations for ear health. Excess moisture in the ears can make people more susceptible to ear infections. Make sure your ears are dry and clear from any moisture. Gently clean and dry your ears with a towel after, baths, showers, or any activities involving water and moisture.
- Keep ears warm and protected
Keep your ears warm throughout the harsh winter season. Remember, your ears get colder than the rest of your body. Use scarves, earmuffs, and hats to protect your ears from the harsh cold.
- Don’t forget to use earplugs
If you often engage in water and wet activities like swimming, snowboarding, and skiing during winter, don’t forget to use earplugs. This will help keep excess moisture out from your ears, keeping them dry and safe from ear infection risks.
- Limit exposure to cold, harsh winds
The winter season brings about cold and harsh winds. Long-term exposure to such conditions can be detrimental to your ear health. When you’re outdoors and know that the wind is cold and strong, don’t forget to come prepared with adequate ear protection like scarves or earmuffs. Additionally and if you can, try to limit time outdoors or at least take frequent breaks to warm up your ears.
- Be wary of indoor heating
Indoor heating is a must during cold winter seasons. However, indoor heating systems can decrease humidity levels in your home. This leaves indoor air dry, potentially drying out the membranes in your ears. Use a humidifier to counter the dryness in the air and maintain a comfortable indoor air quality.
- Strengthen immune system
Upper respiratory illnesses like the common cold and flu can make people more susceptible to developing ear infections. Protect your ears by strengthening your immunity against such respiratory diseases.
Maintain a healthy diet of foods rich in nutrients and vitamins and drink plenty of water. Exercise regularly, get adequate sleep every night, practice healthy hygiene habits, and consider adding vitamins and supplements to your diet.
- Consider regular checkups and hearing exams
Ear health is very crucial to your overall well-being. If you have sensitive ears or have a history of ear infections, schedule regular checkups and hearing exams with your ear doctor.
If there is persistent pain and discomfort in your ears, do not think twice about scheduling an appointment with your doctor. At Capitol Breathe Free, our team of ear specialists can help you get to the bottom of your worries so schedule a consultation today!
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