How ENT Care in Newbury Park Can Support Ear Health During Seasonal Changes

Hearing is a vital part of our daily life. We use it to communicate and form relationships with other people. Unbeknownst to many, seasonal changes in Newbury Park can influence your hearing in several ways.

Let’s dive into why this happens, what you can do to keep your ears healthy during the inevitable seasonal changes, and how our ENT team in Thousand Oaks can help support ear health during seasonal changes.

How Seasonal Changes in Newbury Park, CA, May Impact Your Hearing

1. Seasonal allergies and their impact on the ears

Seasonal allergies often cause irritation, inflammation, and congestion in the sinuses, which can affect the ears, potentially causing a feeling of fullness, pressure, or discomfort in the ears.

2. Increased risk of ear infections

Changes in temperature and the increased use of indoor heating during the cooler seasons may contribute to conditions that can make one more susceptible to ear infections, especially individuals who are prone to sinus issues.

3. Surfer’s Ear or Exostosis

Surfer’s Ear, also known as Exostosis, is a less prevalent condition–but certainly possible–that, in some cases, especially when left untreated, may contribute to hearing loss that could require surgical intervention. It’s characterized by abnormal bone growth in the existing bones in the ear. The bone that surrounds the ear canal thickens as the body tries to create a protective barrier against cold winds and water. However, this growth can interfere with the ear’s ability to receive sounds as well as the ability to produce and expel earwax.

4. Hardened earwax

Exposure to cold weather may contribute to earwax buildup in some people, which can sometimes affect hearing if not properly addressed. Hearing loss due to this is reversible by carefully removing earwax or consulting with your doctor.

5. Moisture concerns for hearing aids

People wearing hearing aids may be at an increased risk of experiencing moisture damage to their assistive device during the colder winter season.

Taking Care of Your Ear Health During the California Winter Season

Here are simple yet effective ways to protect your ears during the winter season:

• Keep ears warm and protected. Avoid exposure to cold temperatures. Keep your ears warm and protected from the cold by wearing earmuffs, scarves, and hats, especially when going out.
• Keep ears dry. Minimize your susceptibility to ear infections by keeping your ears dry after water activities or exposure to water (e.g., showers, baths, sweat, melting snow, etc.). Gently clean your ears with a soft towel to clear any moisture in the ears.
• Use earplugs. Loud environments and loud noises from snowmobile engines, ski lifts, and other winter sports can be harmful to your ears. Wear earplugs when engaging in such winter activities for noise reduction.
• Take breaks from loud noises. Extended exposure to loud noises and environments can be harmful to your ear health. Take breaks to give your ears a chance to recover and potentially reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss.
• Stay hydrated. The cool, dry winter air can dehydrate your body and skin, including your ears. Don’t forget to ensure proper hydration and drink plenty of water to maintain healthy hydration levels.
• Take good care of your hearing aids. Wipe down your hearing aid daily with a soft, dry cloth to remove moisture. Always check for wax buildup and change wax filters regularly. Protect them from excess moisture or extreme cold by wearing earmuffs or hats over them. After spending time outdoors, open the battery compartment and let the condensation air out once you get home.
• Schedule regular hearing checkups with a Newbury Park ENT specialist. Your ear health plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. If you have sensitive ears or a history of ear infections, you may benefit from regular ear checkups and hearing tests with an ear doctor or ENT specialist.

ENT Care for Your Ear Health With Bella Vista ENT

There’s not much we can do to prevent hearing loss due to aging or genetics. However, noise and environmental-induced hearing loss can often be reduced or minimized with the right precautions and strategies.

Here at Bella Vista ENT, we understand the importance of ear health and function. We offer in-office hearing testing and ear evaluations. While outcomes vary, our team is committed to working closely with our patients to help them manage their ear health proactively. We proudly serve patients in Newbury Park and the surrounding areas in our Thousand Oaks clinic.

Are you looking for a hearing specialist near Newbury Park? Schedule an appointment with our team to learn more about keeping your ears healthy and hearing.