Have your ears been hurting in winter? Here are 8 ways to stay protected

As winter throws its chilly cloak over the world, we snuggle deeper into scarves and mittens, seeking warmth wherever we can. But amidst the cosy nights and frosty mornings, there’s another part of us that often feels the sting of the season: our ears.

That persistent ache, the sharp twinge, or the annoying muffled feeling—ear pain in winter is a common reality for many. But why do our ears, these seemingly small and protected appendages, become so vulnerable when the mercury dips? The answer lies in a fascinating interplay of anatomy, weather, and even our everyday habits.

Dr Deepti Sinha, lead consultant, Dept of ENT at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, explained that this pain can be caused by several factors, including exposure to cold, dry air, changes in moisture content, sinus infections, and a higher risk of respiratory infections.

“Discomfort may be exacerbated by ear canal inflammation and dryness brought on by cold weather and atmospheric disturbances. Additionally, sinusitis and respiratory infections may cause congestion and inflammation, impacting the Eustachian tube and resulting in ear pain,” she explained in an interaction with indianexpress.com. 

Even though some ear pain is normal and frequently goes away on its own, persistent, or severe ear pain should not be disregarded as it may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an ear infection, Dr Sinha warned, adding that excessive cleaning should be avoided.

“If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical attention is important for proper diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr Sinha.

Here are 8 ways to stay protected from ear pain in winter

Wear Earmuffs: To protect and warm your ears, get a decent pair of earmuffs. Verify that they are adequately insulated and fit comfortably.

Use a Hat or Headband: You may keep your ears warm and shield them from chilly breezes by wearing a cap or headband that covers them.

Choose Warm Fabrics: Opt for hats and earmuffs made from warm and insulating materials like wool or fleece.

Keep Ears Dry: Wet Ears may be more vulnerable to cold weather. To keep your ears dry in rainy or snowy weather, use a hood or umbrella.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for overall health, including skin health.

Hydrated skin is less prone to dryness and cracking. (Source: Freepik)

Moisturise Your Ears: Apply a gentle moisturiser to your ears to prevent dryness and irritation caused by cold and windy weather.

Avoid Excessive Ear Cleaning: Ears that are too clean can lose their natural oils and become more prone to dryness. Refrain from using cotton swabs to clean your ears too deeply.

Consult a Professional: You must see a doctor if you have ongoing pain or discomfort in your ears during the winter. They can evaluate your circumstances and offer specific solutions.

Neglected ear pain during the winter season can become troublesome, potentially leading to temporary hearing loss. For a prompt resolution, early treatment is recommended.

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