Here And Now
How to Protect Your Ears This Winter
As winter's wayward winds are steadily approaching, many of us are preparing to bundle up in our coats, scarves, and gloves. But there is one important part of your body that often gets overlooked in the winter: your ears.
The cold, dry weather can take a serious toll on your ear health.
At The Ear Place, we want to help you keep your ears healthy and comfortable all winter long. Here’s what you need to know.
Protect your ears from the cold
As our ears are made of mostly cartilage, they have very little fat or muscle, meaning they retain very little heat. In cold or windy weather, ears can easily become chilly or even frostbitten. The temperature drop can also cause the earwax in our ears to harden, leading to blockages.
To combat this, make sure you’re covering your ears when you go outside. Whether you're wearing a hat, earmuffs, or a headband, ensuring your ears are covered avoids prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, keeping your ears warm and minimising the risk of earwax complications.
Be mindful of noise exposure
Winter festivities often mean loud music, bustling gatherings, and fireworks. Prolonged exposure to high volumes can cause temporary or long-term hearing loss.
To protect your ears, consider using earplugs at noisy events or concerts, keep the volume on devices at around 60% or lower, and give your ears regular breaks to rest and recover.
Watch out for ear infections during cold & flu season
Winter often brings a rise in colds, sinus infections, and the flu, all of which can contribute to ear infections. When sinuses become blocked and fluid builds up, it can create pressure and discomfort behind the eardrum.
To help prevent this, stay well hydrated and use a humidifier to keep the air in your home comfortably moist. If you do catch a cold, treat it promptly and give your body time to rest and recover. If you notice ear pain, muffled hearing, or any discharge, don’t delay. Book an appointment with your GP or a hearing professional for a thorough ear assessment.
Schedule a winter health check
Winter is a great time to schedule your hearing test or ear health check. Regular monitoring helps catch issues early, especially if you wear hearing aids, which can be affected by temperature and moisture changes.
At The Ear Place, we offer:
- Micro-suction earwax removal
- Hearing assessments
- Hearing protection
- Hearing aid maintenance and fitting
Take care of your ears all year round
This winter, don't let ear discomfort dampen your seasonal spirit. Clear, healthy ears make everyday life more enjoyable, from listening to holiday music to hearing the crunch of golden leaves underfoot. As you prepare for the season ahead, why not add ear care to your winter wellbeing checklist?
If you’re experiencing any discomfort, hearing-loss, or simply need advice on how to keep your ears healthy this winter, get in touch. Our team is here to help you listen clearly and live comfortably, no matter how chilly it gets outside. Book your hearing assessment today.