You might be surprised to learn that people with hearing loss fall up to 2.5 times more often than people with normal hearing.1 Researchers believe it’s because hearing loss may cause people to be less aware of their surroundings, struggle with spatial awareness, and use more effort to listen, which can reduce focus on walking and balance.2
It sounds like we’re in for a rough winter this year. With snow, slippery ice, and roaring winter winds already impacting many areas of Canada, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re looking after your hearing health.
Set yourself up for a safer and healthier New Year by taking good care of your ears – and yourself – this winter.
Stay healthy during cold and flu season
Winter weather can increase the risk of colds and ear infections. Boost your immune system by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, getting adequate sleep and regular physical activity, staying up to date on vaccines including RSV, flu, and COVID; and practicing good hand-washing hygiene.
If you experience ear pain, don’t wait to see a doctor. Ears are more prone to infection if you have an upper-respiratory cold or flu.
An ear infection occurs when the Eustachian tube in the middle ear that connects your middle ear and your throat is blocked by fluid and/or inflammation, which allows a viral or bacterial infection to develop in the middle ear.3 Treating an infection early on will prevent it from affecting your inner-ear health which could also result in damaging your hearing.
Keep your ears warm and dry
During outdoor activities like cross country skiing or jogging, make sure to protect your ears from harsh temperatures and moisture. Since our ears are mostly made of cartilage with barely any fat, they have almost no insulation. That’s why ears, along with noses, get cold more quickly than other parts of your body.
Make sure to wear hats or earmuffs at temperatures of 15°C (59°F) or lower. That might not seem very cold, but it’s the point at which blood vessels start to constrict to conserve warmth, making your ears more susceptible to the cold weather.4
Show your hearing aids some love
Cold weather can affect your hearing aids as well as your ears. They’re built to withstand various temperatures, but despite their resilience, extreme temperatures can reduce your hearing aid’s battery life.
Condensation can also be an issue as you move from cold outdoor temperatures to the warmth of indoors. Wearing a hat, headband or earmuffs over your ears when you’re outside in the cold can help protect your hearing aids from moisture damage.
When you come inside from being out in the cold, remember to use a cloth to remove any moisture from your hearing aids. If you use disposable batteries, open the battery compartment to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Consider using a hearing aid dryer and sanitizer, which are available for purchase in clinics.
Talk with a hearing care professional
Start the year off strong! If you’ve noticed that you or someone you love is experiencing hearing changes, make sure to speak to a hearing professional right away.
HearingLife forms the largest network of hearing clinics with over 400 network clinics across Canada. Staffed by certified hearing healthcare professionals, HearingLife offers the most advanced hearing aid technology and up-to-date diagnostic equipment. Visit HearingLifeAdvantage.ca to explore hearing solutions by booking a free 30-day trial!
Sources:
1,2 https://www.sac-oac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SAC-Info-Sheet-Risk-of-Falls-EN.pdf
3 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20351616
4
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