Why Do Ears Ring in Cold Weather? Understanding Tinnitus and Its Remedies

With the arrival of cold winter weather, many people experience stress and discomfort due to the effects of the cold on their hearing. If you find your ears ringing more frequently during the winter months, you’re not alone.

Understanding Tinnitus:

Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing in the ears, a condition characterized by hearing sounds like buzzing, hissing, clicking, or roaring when no external sound is present. Tinnitus can worsen with age, hearing loss, ear injuries, or circulatory system disorders. The severity of tinnitus varies from person to person, ranging from mildly annoying to severely discomforting.

Causes of Ringing in the Ears:

Several factors can cause or exacerbate tinnitus, especially during the winter:

• Hearing Loss: Age-related or noise-induced hearing loss can lead to tinnitus.

• Stress: Increased stress levels during the holiday season can worsen tinnitus.

• Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises damages the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.

• Ear Damage: Injuries to the ear can result in ringing sounds.

• Abnormal Ear Pressure: Cold, flu, or sinus infections can cause abnormal pressure in the ears.

• Water in the Ear: Moisture trapped in the middle ear can lead to ringing.

• Earwax Buildup: Hardened earwax during winter can cause blockages, leading to tinnitus.

Also Read: How Do Hearing Aids Address Issues Related to Earwax Buildup?

• Health Conditions: Conditions like otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear) can cause tinnitus.

• Ear Trauma: Direct injuries to the ear can cause persistent ringing.

Preventing and Treating Tinnitus in Winter:

To alleviate or prevent ringing in the ears during cold weather, consider the following tips:

• Wear Protective Gear: Cold weather can be harsh on your ears. Wearing thermal hats or earmuffs can protect your ears from frostbite and moisture, reducing the risk of tinnitus. This also prevents conditions like "surfer’s ear" (exostosis), where bone growths form due to prolonged exposure to cold wind and water.

• Remove Excess Earwax: Earwax tends to harden in winter, causing blockages. Regular cleaning can prevent tinnitus. While home remedies like irrigating with water, oil, or hydrogen peroxide can help, it’s safer to have excess earwax removed by a healthcare professional.

• Use Hearing Aids: Addressing hearing loss with professionally fitted hearing aids can reduce tinnitus by amplifying external sounds, thereby minimizing the brain's production of phantom sounds.

• Clean Hearing Aids: Hearing aids can increase earwax production. Regularly clean your hearing aids and have your ears checked to ensure they remain clear of blockages.

Also Read: How Can Earwax Impact Your Hearing Aids Function?

• Regular Hearing Tests: If you’re unsure why your ears are ringing, a hearing test can help identify the cause. A hearing care professional can determine if the ringing is due to hearing loss or other issues and suggest appropriate treatments.

• Treat Underlying Conditions: Addressing health issues like colds, flu, sinus congestion, ear infections, or otosclerosis can often eliminate tinnitus.

• Sound Therapy: Some hearing aids offer sound therapy features, such as background music or white noise, to mask tinnitus. Signia hearing aids, for example, come with built-in Notch Therapy designed to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

When to See a healthcare professional:

If you experience persistent or severe ringing in your ears, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. AnAudiologist can perform a hearing test, check for wax buildup, and recommend treatments. At Aanvii Hearing, we offer comprehensive hearing care services, including tinnitus management and hearing aid fittings. Our experienced professionals are here to help you find the best solutions to improve your hearing health and alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

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Tinnitus during cold weather can be distressing, but understanding its causes and implementing effective remedies can significantly reduce its impact. For expert advice and treatment, visit Aanvii Hearing and let us help you enjoy a quieter, more comfortable winter season. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better hearing health. For more information call us at 96 5839 5839 or Mail us at customercare@aanviihearing.com.