Most people are aware that exposure to cold weather can pose general health risks, but it can also have equally damaging effects on your hearing. Alison Flaherty, head of medical negligence at Patient Claim Line, highlighted several common cold weather issues that could lead to temporary hearing loss.
The onset of winter often brings with it a range of illnesses, including ear infections, which can occur when the immune system is weakened by the cold and can cause hearing loss if left untreated.
Key symptoms of ear infections include pain, scaly skin around the ear, discharge from the ear, difficulty hearing, and a high temperature, according to the NHS.
Pharmacists can generally provide advice on treating ear infections, but if there is no improvement within a few days, a GP visit may be necessary.
Alison said: « One of the main reasons why winter can cause hearing problems is due to the cold weather. Cold temperatures can cause the blood vessels in the ear to constrict, reducing the blood flow to the inner ear.
« This can lead to a temporary hearing loss, which may resolve on its own once the blood vessels dilate again. »
To prevent this issue, she suggested covering your ears with items like beanies or earmuffs when venturing out into the cold. Your hearing loss could also be due to changes in air pressure that winter weather brings if you have one other symptom as well; a feeling of fullness in the ear.
People who fly during the winter months might find this issue particularly problematic. Chewing gum, yawning or swallowing can be easy ways to unblock your ears when the air pressure changes.
Special devices like air-regulating earplugs may also be an option. If you feel like your ears are permanently blocked during winter, the expert explained why: « During the winter, your body produces more earwax than normal as a bodily defence, which can lead to a build-up of earwax.
« This can cause a blockage in the ear canal, which can lead to temporary hearing loss. In some cases, the blockage may be severe enough to require medical intervention. »
Luckily, the solution to this is simply to keep your ears clean and clear throughout the season.
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