Winter is officially here, and the temperatures outside are dropping, which means you need to bundle up every time you head outdoors. Just make sure you don’t neglect your head and your ears when you step outside. Haven’t you noticed that your ears are one of the first parts of your body to get cold? Your ears are comprised mostly of cartilage and don’t have much fat on them to stay warm when it’s cold outside. So, you must take extra precautions to protect your ears when it is cold out. Knowing how to protect your ears in cold weather can go a long way, especially when you follow these helpful, cold weather hearing tips.
You must keep your ears warm when you are out in the cold. Check out these easy to follow cold weather hearing tips to help protect your hearing this winter season.
• Make sure you cover your ears if the temperature is below 59 °F by wearing a hat or earmuffs.
• If you require a short-term fix, and find yourself outdoors without a hat on, using a scarf or the hood of your jacket or sweatshirt can provide you with some warmth.
• If the temperatures are frigid, wear a fleece headband to give your ears some extra protection underneath your hat.
• Wearing earplugs can help protect your ear canal from the wind and cold. While commercial earplugs will work, you will have better protection with a pair of custom-fitted earplugs.
• Make sure you keep your ears dry. So if your hat or earmuffs get wet, make sure you switch it out for a dry one. If the inside of your ears is moist, do not place cotton inside the ear. Instead, use a hairdryer on a low heat setting, making sure you are not putting the hairdryer directly next to the ear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ears are mostly made of cartilage and have very little fat to provide insulation. This lack of protective fat makes them more prone to getting cold quickly when exposed to low temperatures.
It is recommended to cover your ears when temperatures drop below 59 °F. Wearing hats or earmuffs at or below this temperature helps protect your ears from the cold and potential damage.
If you are outdoors without a hat, you can use a scarf or the hood of your jacket or sweatshirt to keep your ears warm temporarily. These items can provide some insulation and protection against the cold wind.
Earplugs protect the ear canal from cold wind and moisture, reducing the risk of discomfort or injury. Custom-fitted earplugs provide better protection compared to commercially available earplugs due to their snug fit.
If your hat or earmuffs become wet, it's important to replace them with dry ones immediately to prevent your ears from staying damp and cold. Moisture inside the ears should be dried using a hairdryer on a low setting, avoiding direct contact with the ear.
No, placing cotton inside moist ears is not recommended as it can retain moisture and potentially lead to ear infections. Instead, gently dry the ears using a low heat setting on a hairdryer, ensuring it is held at a safe distance.
A fleece headband adds an extra layer of insulation for your ears, especially in very cold weather. Wearing it underneath your hat provides enhanced protection against extreme cold, helping to maintain ear warmth.