Keeping Kids’ Ears Healthy During the Winter: Ear Infection Prevention
Winter is upon us and the air feels colder than ever. Winter coats, fuzzy hats, and thick scarves are out to protect us from the harsh and cold winter air.
As we try our best to keep warm during the winter season, may we not forget to protect our ears from the cold as well. Our ears get cold very easily because they are mostly made out of cartilage. They don’t have the same layers of fat as the rest of our body that can protect them and keep them warm – so it is up to us to do that.
Keeping the ears warm is more than just avoiding the chilly as it is crucial in keeping them healthy throughout the rest of the season.
Winter Seasons and Ear Infections
The ears are extra vulnerable to the cold and they get cold more easily than the rest of the body. Proper ear protection is a must when we spend extended time outdoors, especially if we’re out in the chilly weather. The ears can easily become cold, uncomfortable, and even painful without proper winter protection.
The cold winter air can make the ears more susceptible to ear infections. For instance, throat and sinus infections can easily spread to the ears when we spend a lot of time outdoors without proper ear protection.
Ear infections can cause muffled hearing, temporary hearing loss, or balance issues if not taken care of properly and immediately.
Ear infections are uncomfortable and painful for adults, what more for young children?
Keep Kids’ Ears Healthy and Infection-Free During Winter Seasons
- Keep kids’ ears dry and clear
Excess moisture in the ears can lead to infections. Make sure that your kids’ ears stay dry and clear. Gently clean and dry the ears with a towel after baths, showers, or any water activities to minimize the risk of infections.
- Protect the ears and keep them warm
As you bundle yourself up with thick winter coats and gloves, don’t forget to keep your ears warm and protected too. Use scarves, hats, and earmuffs to keep your ears warm. Keeping the ears warm will reduce the chances of spreading sinus and throat infections into the ears as well.
- Protect the ears during water activities
If you enjoy water and wet activities during winter, make sure you use apple ear protection. Earplugs and earmuffs can protect your ears from excess moisture and cold weather. If you enjoy swimming during the winter, make sure you use a swimming cap to keep the ears dry.
- Keep the body’s defenses up
Ear infections often result from other respiratory conditions like the flu or the common cold. Prevent ear infections by starting from the root and protecting yourself from contracting such respiratory conditions in the first place.
Boost your immunity by maintaining healthy habits. Eat nutrient and vitamin-rich foods, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Take supplements and vitamins to further boost your defenses.
- Hearing aids will need extra protection
The colder winter season can impact hearing aids so make sure that if you use them, show them some extra love.
Keep hearing aids dry and avoid getting them wet with water or moisture. Earmuffs and winter hats can also act as a protective barrier for hearing aids against the cold. You will also want to release excess moisture and condensation from the hearing aids by opening the battery compartment once you get home from being out in the cold. This helps preserve a healthy battery life.
- Winter might be the perfect time for an appointment with CT-ENT
If you’re concerned about your kid’s ears during the winter season or they have been complaining about pain or discomfort in their ears, it might be the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your ENT doctor. They will examine the ears for any signs of infections and provide treatment options should they diagnose it.
At CT-ENT, our team of ear, nose, and throat specialists is more than happy to help you get to the bottom of your child’s ear concerns. Schedule a consultation with us today and keep your child’s ears healthy this winter season!
