Our ears lack the same layer of fat that shields the rest of our bodies from the cold. As a result, our ears' nerves are particularly vulnerable. Because of this, our ears are typically the first body part to experience cold, and if we spend too much time outside without ear protection, they can become quite uncomfortable. The fact that colds and other diseases spread more readily throughout the winter contributes to the increased likelihood of ear trouble.
Many people are unaware of how to safeguard their ears' well-being adequately. Winter makes our ears vulnerable to ear infections, which is why it's necessary to know how to protect them well in cold weather. If you suspect a bacterial infection, a topical spray such as EarCalm might do the trick. However, bacterial infections aren't all that you should be worried about. Below are different yet effective ways to protect your ears during winter.
Methods to Protect Your Ears in the Cold Weather:
Keep Your Ears Covered:
It's not always practical to stay indoors when it's freezing outside. If you must spend time outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. A hat is the most crucial piece of winter gear for ear protection. You should wear a warm, ear-protecting cap. You could go with an ear flap design or a hat that can be pulled down over your ears. Wearing earmuffs is another alternative. You can try wrapping a scarf around your face, too, if you don't prefer a hat, it will also shield your ears and nose well. The essential thing is to cover your ears, what you use to cover them up is up to you.
However, if you use hearing aids during winter, ensure you're keeping them clean and dry. Be careful to use them.
Keep the Ears Dry:
As the winter settles in, we know that the cold and wetness can increase the risk of ear infections. In some cases, it can even increase the risk of developing a condition called "surfers ear", which can damage hearing aids. Therefore, keeping your ears dry during this time is crucial. Especially if you take a shower or use a pool, make sure to at least towel-dry your ears before anything.
Take extra care if you're dealing with a child. Not drying the ears can put them at risk of permanent hearing loss.
Avoid Cotton Swabs:
How many of you have ever cleaned your ears with a cotton swab, especially to remove excess wax buildup? Although it's a frequent habit, cleaning your ears with a cotton swab might be ineffective. Some people are unaware that ear wax serves as a barrier to prevent dust and other hazardous particles from entering the ear canal and that ears are self-cleaning. You run the danger of harming delicate tissues like the eardrum whenever you introduce something into your ears. If you think there is too much wax that has to be removed, it would be a good idea to hire a professional cleaner.
You Need To Rest Properly:
I know you're tired of hearing this, but resting properly is more essential than we think it is. Neglecting proper rest can do us more damage than we expect. Now, let me tell you that tinnitus, the phantom ringing in your ears, is connected to both transient and lasting stress and worry. A person's body may enter the fight-or-flight state and release adrenaline when they are feeling highly agitated. As a result, your blood flow and body temperature increase, and your nerves are subjected to tremendous pressure. Tinnitus symptoms can be brought on by this pressure and tension moving up through the body and into the inner ear. Even though we are aware that it is hard to eliminate stress from your life, try to make an effort to routinely surround yourself with less stressful people, places, and activities to maintain some balance.
Turn Down The Volume:
It's very trendy for teens and even adults to use audio gadgets to listen to their music. It may seem harmless, but if you've got a habit of keeping the volume too loud, then you're at risk of damaging your ear. Some years back, WHO (World Health Organization) conducted a study on the usage of audio gadgets. The results of the study were astounding. They discovered that the improper use of audio gadgets puts 1.1 billion teens and young adults at risk of hearing loss. It's a good idea to listen to songs for no more than an hour at 60% volume. Using them with care will aid in preventing the harm that loud music may do to their ears. Additionally, if you're considering purchasing an audio gadget for yourself or your child, consider over-the-ear headphones, as they are safer and do not directly affect the eardrum.