How to Protect Your Hearing This Winter
Winter brings so many joys — cozy sweaters, sparkling snow, mugs of cocoa, and laughter around a crackling fire. But while you’re bundling up against the cold, there’s one part of your body that deserves a little extra attention: your ears.
Our ears are surprisingly sensitive to changes in temperature, wind, and moisture. Add in hearing aids or earbuds, and that sensitivity can increase. Whether you’re skiing, shoveling, or just walking the dog, protecting your hearing health in the winter takes a bit of planning. Here’s how to make sure your ears — and your hearing technology — stay safe, warm, and working their best all season long.
1. Bring Batteries
Cold temperatures can zap the power right out of electronics — and hearing aid batteries are no exception.
When the mercury drops, the chemical reactions that create power inside a battery slow down. That’s why your phone might shut off on a cold day, even when it still shows a healthy charge. The same principle applies to hearing aids: low temperatures can cause batteries to drain faster or even stop working temporarily.
What to do:
- Always keep spare batteries with you when heading out in cold weather.
- Store them in a warm, dry place like an inside coat pocket instead of a backpack or car glove box.
- If you use rechargeable hearing aids, be sure to fully charge them before long days outside. Consider bringing your charging case if you’ll be away from home for extended periods.
Planning ahead ensures you won’t miss a conversation or a moment of holiday cheer due to a sudden battery drain.
2. Keep ’Em Dry
Snow, sleet, condensation — even your own breath in cold air — can expose your hearing aids to excess moisture. And while most modern devices are built to withstand a bit of dampness, water is still their biggest enemy.
Why it matters:
Moisture can sneak into battery compartments, microphones, or tubing, leading to short circuits or distorted sound. Even condensation from moving between cold outdoor air and warm indoor spaces can collect inside the device.
How to protect your devices:
- Wipe your hearing aids daily with a soft, dry cloth to remove any moisture, oils, or debris.
- Open the battery compartment at night to allow air circulation and help the inside dry completely.
- Use a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying box overnight — it’s an inexpensive tool that can significantly extend device life.
- Avoid placing hearing aids near direct heat sources (like a radiator or hair dryer), as high heat can warp delicate components.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and dry doesn’t just prevent damage — it helps maintain clear sound quality and long-term performance.
3. Ward Off the Wind
Wind can be more than just uncomfortable — it can also harm your ears over time. You’ve probably heard of swimmer’s ear, a painful infection caused by trapped water and bacteria, but fewer people know about surfer’s ear, a condition triggered by cold wind and water exposure.
Here’s what happens:
When the ear canal is repeatedly exposed to cold air, bone tissue inside the canal may start to grow, gradually narrowing the passage. This condition, called exostosis, can trap earwax and moisture, increasing the risk of infection and hearing loss. It’s most common in people who spend time outdoors in windy, chilly environments — not just surfers.
Prevention is simple:
- Wear earmuffs, a wool hat, or a headband that fully covers your ears in cold or windy weather.
- If you enjoy winter sports, choose ear protection designed for helmets to keep your ears warm without blocking important sounds.
- Avoid long exposure to cold gusts, especially if your ears are damp or sweaty — moisture amplifies the chilling effect.
Wind protection isn’t just about comfort; it’s an easy way to safeguard the delicate structures that keep your hearing sharp.
4. Give Your Tinnitus Some TLC
If you live with tinnitus — that persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in your ears — you might notice it feels more noticeable in the winter. While research hasn’t confirmed that cold weather directly worsens tinnitus, several seasonal factors can make it more bothersome.
Why winter can be tricky for tinnitus:
- Cold air and wind can reduce blood flow to the ears, affecting circulation.
- Stress, common during the busy holiday season, can make tinnitus more noticeable.
- Spending more time indoors means increased exposure to dry air and heating systems, which can irritate sinuses and impact ear pressure.
Caring for your tinnitus this season:
- Stay warm — keeping your head and ears covered supports healthy circulation.
- Maintain your hearing aids if you use them, since properly fitted devices often help mask tinnitus sounds.
- Protect your quiet time: step away from loud gatherings or holiday music for short breaks.
- Get adequate sleep and hydration, both of which can help reduce tinnitus-related stress.
Simple self-care habits can make a real difference in how you experience tinnitus throughout the colder months.
5. Protect Your Ears From Fluids
The other kind of “cold” — the sniffly, sneezy kind — can also affect your ears. When you’re fighting off a winter cold, sinus infection, or flu, your Eustachian tubes (which connect the middle ear to the back of your throat) can become swollen or blocked. This can trap fluid behind the eardrum, causing fullness, pressure, or temporary hearing changes.
If you’re sick:
- Avoid getting water in your ears while bathing or showering. Added moisture can make things worse.
- If you experience ear pain or notice fluid drainage, schedule a medical visit. Quick treatment prevents infection from spreading deeper into the ear.
- Use nasal sprays or steam inhalation (as recommended by your provider) to help open congested passages.
Left untreated, ear infections can sometimes lead to permanent hearing damage — but prompt care keeps your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
6. Manage Earwax Wisely
Cold weather can actually harden earwax, making it tougher to remove naturally. This can lead to discomfort, itchiness, or a blocked sensation. If you’re tempted to “clean” your ears with cotton swabs — don’t! Doing so often pushes wax deeper or causes injury.
Instead:
- Use gentle ear drops (as recommended by your hearing care provider) to soften wax buildup.
- Schedule a professional ear cleaning if your ears feel plugged or itchy.
- Keep your ears dry and warm — both can help prevent excessive wax formation.
Regular ear care not only improves comfort but also ensures your hearing aids fit and function properly.
7. Keep Connected and Check In
Winter is also a great time to check in on your hearing health overall. Cold weather, fewer daylight hours, and indoor gatherings can subtly affect how you hear and interact with others. If conversations feel more challenging or sounds seem muffled, schedule a hearing evaluation.
A simple checkup provides:
- A baseline measure of your current hearing.
- Guidance on protecting your ears from seasonal factors.
- Updates on new technology that can make hearing in social settings easier and more natural.
Hearing is central to connection, and staying connected keeps your mind sharp and your mood bright through the darker months.
Cold weather can be tough on ears, but with a few mindful habits, you can enjoy every snowy adventure, cozy conversation, and carol-filled evening without worry. Protect your ears from the elements, care for your hearing aids, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your hearing care provider if you notice any changes.
Your ears work hard all year — give them the warmth and care they deserve this winter.
Remember: Cold weather can also harden earwax, causing discomfort and making it difficult to remove. It’s never a bad idea to make an appointment with your hearing care provider for a professional ear cleaning!