Here's Why Your Hearing Is Always Worse In Winter

Whether you experience existing hearing problems or can usually hear just fine, strange issues can come afoot when the cold weather sets in. Perhaps it starts when you fall foul of your worst winter cold, or perhaps the cold weather itself is the thing to do you in. Either way, within a few weeks of December, you may start to notice that your hearing health is on a steep downwards spiral.
  
This can come as a real blow during a month when you’re probably set to socialize more than ever before. Pretty soon, you might find yourself failing to hear what anyone at that Christmas party tells you, or even cancelling plans altogether.

While we’re all for winter hibernation, this kind of enforced isolation is no way to spend the season. That’s why we’re going to break down exactly why your hearing is always worse in the winter, and consider what on earth you can do about it.

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1 - An Introduction to Infections

Winter is a time rife with illnesses like colds, coughs, and flu. As well as generally making you feel grotty, these are bad news because they can lead to significant sinus-based blockages. And those blockages can quickly start to impact your ears. Sinus congestion and inflammation are particularly infamous for causing blockages in the Eustachian tubes, and when that happens, you can expect to experience pain, pressure, and generally reduced hearing abilities.

Signs that you’re experiencing this issue could include suddenly muffled hearing, balance issues, popping or tickling sensations in the ear, and even perceived voice changes known as autophony. It’s also common for your ears to feel full or pressured, which can be incredibly uncomfortable.

Luckily, ear infections and blockages will often sort themselves out over time with simple remedies like bed rest and nasal sprays. It can also be useful to unblock your ears using techniques like yawning or gently blowing with your nose covered. Bear in mind, though, that you might want to seek the advice of a healthcare provider for an ongoing blockage that won’t clear with home remedies, or if you notice any weeping or severe pain in your ears.

2 - Circulation Setbacks

Winter can make everything you do feel that bit harder, and you probably won’t be surprised to hear that the same is true for our bodies. The circulation changes that winter can cause make your body work particularly hard, and your hearing can be the first thing that suffers. Winter-based blood flow changes are another notable problem in the circulation stakes, and all of this can quickly lead to seasonal hearing difficulties.

Signs of hearing-based circulation setbacks might include tinnitus (sounds such as ringing, hissing, etc. in the ear), discomfort, and even increased sensitivity in the ear. These issues can also once again lead to infections or hearing loss that you would rather skip.

Prevention is key when it comes to overcoming this problem. Namely, you’ll want to wear protection like ear muffs in the coldest weather. This will help blood flow as it should, as well as improve cold-weather circulation in general. While winter might be the primary contributing factor here, you can also help by practicing general steps towards improved circulation, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet with plenty of circulation-beneficial foods, such as fatty fish and leafy greens.

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3 - Hardening Earwax

We’ve all seen how entire lakes can freeze firm during a really cold snap. Puddles, ponds, and boiler pipes can also fall foul of the worst frosts. But, we’re betting you didn’t realize that cold weather can also cause your earwax to harden.

While earwax won’t freeze exactly, ongoing exposure to cold weather can certainly cause it to firm up, leading to complete, compacted blockages that you’ll struggle to clear. Not only are they inconvenient, but these blockages can lead to secondary problems, including earache, tinnitus, and, of course, hearing loss.

Visiting a healthcare professional for safe winter earwax removal as soon as you notice the above issues is essential. Before then, it’s important that you avoid trying to clear wax with any home remedies like ear buds, as these will only compact that firm blockage further. Aside from that, getting those earmuffs out can also help here.

4 - Hearing Aid Malfunctions

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You might assume that you’re in the clear for winter if you’ve already sought professional hearing help like hearing aids, but think again. In reality, cold weather doesn’t just wreak havoc on your ears themselves – it can also lead to notable hearing aid malfunctions that you’ll want to avoid.

For one thing, cold temperatures can cause your hearing aid batteries to drain far faster, especially as you battle against the cold-weather risks we’ve already discussed. More worryingly, sudden shifts in temperature, or ongoing cold temperatures, can cause condensation buildups in and around your devices. And, you hardly need us to tell you why moisture and electronics are a bad mix.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing aids from even the harshest winter, as is evidenced in these fall hearing aid care tips that are actually relevant all winter long. It’s especially important to give your devices a little drying-out time with the battery compartment open when you come home after being outside in the cold. Equally, hearing aid dehumidifiers and proper storage can be key to ongoing hearing aid health. You can even invest in hearing aid covers, which are effectively little fleece covers to keep your hearing aids snug, warm, and functioning well.

Conclusion

Whatever the condition of your hearing in general, you might find yourself more prone to asking people to repeat themselves during the winter months. This is a concern you simply don’t need to deal with as you go toe-to-toe with the cold weather, and it’s an issue you can easily avoid using these top tips. Simply get your ear muffs ready, keep an audiologist’s number to hand, and know that your hearing will improve again with the sun’s return!

 

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