Winter Wonder-Ears: Keeping Your Child’s Hearing Healthy in the Cold
Winter brings cozy moments and snowy adventures, but it can also be tough on ear health and hearing devices. For families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, staying proactive about ear care during the colder months is essential. Here are some tips to help keep your child’s ears healthy and their devices working smoothly all winter long.
1. Fight the Winter Ear Infection Blues
Ear infections are more common in the winter due to colds and respiratory viruses. These infections can lead to temporary hearing changes or discomfort. Here’s how to protect your child:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water. Viruses spread easily in the colder months, and clean hands reduce the chance of infections that can affect ear health.
- Boost Immunity: Make sure your child eats a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep are also critical for a strong immune system.
- Know the Symptoms: Watch for signs like ear tugging, crying during feeding (for babies), difficulty hearing, or a sudden change in balance. These could indicate an ear infection.
- Act Quickly: If you suspect an ear infection, consult your pediatrician. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and reduce discomfort.
2. Keep Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants Dry and Safe
Cold weather brings moisture from snow, rain, and fluctuating indoor-outdoor temperatures. Moisture can interfere with the performance of hearing devices.
- Protect Devices from the Elements: Invest in moisture-resistant covers or sleeves for hearing aids and cochlear implants. These covers shield devices from snow, rain, and even sweat from winter activities.
- Dry Overnight: Use a dehumidifier case or drying kit specifically designed for hearing aids or implants to remove any moisture that builds up during the day.
- Carry an Emergency Kit: Pack extra batteries, a soft cleaning cloth, and a portable drying container in case devices get wet or need a quick tune-up while you’re out.
- Beware of Static Electricity: Cold, dry winter air can create static electricity, which may disrupt hearing devices. Avoid synthetic materials in your child’s clothing or accessories, as these can generate static.
3. Ears Love Warmth, Too
Cold weather can irritate the skin around the ears and affect how devices fit and function. Keeping your child’s ears warm is key to both comfort and safety.
- Choose the Right Gear: Look for hats, earmuffs, or headbands that fully cover the ears without pressing against hearing aids or cochlear implants. There are even winter accessories designed specifically for children who wear hearing devices.
- Adjust Device Fit: Cold weather can cause slight shrinkage of the outer ear, making hearing aids or implants feel loose or uncomfortable. If your child mentions discomfort or if the device seems less secure, schedule an appointment with your audiologist for adjustments.
4. Understand How Sickness Affects Hearing
Winter illnesses like colds, flu, and sinus infections can impact hearing, even temporarily. This happens when fluid builds up in the middle ear or nasal passages become congested.
- Monitor Changes in Hearing: If your child seems to have difficulty hearing or if their device settings no longer feel right, contact your audiologist. Temporary adjustments can often accommodate these fluctuations.
- Prioritize Rest and Recovery: A well-rested child is more likely to recover quickly from illness. Ensure they’re getting plenty of fluids and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
- Stay Up to Date on Checkups: Regular hearing tests and device tune-ups are especially important during winter when illnesses can cause temporary shifts in hearing ability.
5. Create a Hearing-Friendly Winter Environment
Spending more time indoors during winter is an opportunity to focus on communication, bonding, and supporting your child’s development.
- Minimize Background Noise: With heaters, TVs, and family conversations happening all at once, indoor spaces can get noisy. Create quieter spaces where your child can focus and engage in meaningful interactions.
- Engage in Communication-Focused Activities: Try indoor activities like storytelling, board games, or arts and crafts that involve following instructions and using language skills. These are great ways to bond while reinforcing communication.
- Read Together: Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up with a good book. Choose titles with colorful illustrations and engaging stories that help build language skills, whether through spoken language, ASL, or other communication methods.
Need More Guidance? Visit Us at ncbegin.org!
At BEGINNINGS, we’re here to support you and your family every step of the way. Winter doesn’t have to be a challenge—with the right care, it can be a season of wellness, growth, and connection. Together, we can make this winter your family’s best yet!
