Winter Deafness: The Surprising Link Between Cold Weather and Hearing Loss
The first thing you should do if you think you may be suffering from hearing loss due to a cold is to seek medical attention. This is important, as any cold-related symptoms could be a symptom of a serious illness. Cold symptoms may cause temporary hearing problems, but ignoring them can result in permanent damage. Despite their temporary effects, colds can result in scarring and damage to the cilia that line the eardrum. Besides affecting your hearing, colds can cause other health issues, as well.
Exostosis
One recent study suggests that patients with exostosis are more likely to develop hearing loss in cold weather. The study examined 13 participants with exostosis and found that their prevalence was 69.6% over their lifetime. The participants were divided into four age groups, the youngest was 27 years old and the oldest was 77.4% of the population. A significant proportion of those with exostosis experienced bilateral deafness.
The prevalence of external auditory exostoses varies widely between different populations. Surfers, for example, are more likely to develop them than non-surfers. Researchers have studied the prevalence of exostoses in Cornish surfers for over twenty years. This disease is more common in women than men and is likely to make its Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2021. While it can affect people of all ages, it typically manifests in the third or fourth decade. Increasingly, healthcare providers must become aware of this disease and educate at-risk populations about the risks.
In general, people with hearing loss due to cold experience mild ear infections, water trapped in the ear canal, and minor hearing loss. The ear canal is about the diameter of a number two pencil, but people with exostosis may notice more water trapped inside it. They may also notice an increase in their ear infections and a gradual decrease in their hearing sensitivity. These symptoms, however, may indicate the onset of a severe case of exostosis.
While most people with exostosis do not experience any problems after their surgery, it is essential to avoid exposure to cold water or air while recovering from the procedure. This prevents the formation of new growths in the affected area. It is essential to avoid cold water or air for six weeks after surgery. You should also avoid using cold water in the ear if you have this condition. Although new growths usually don't develop after surgery, you should still seek medical attention in case you are suffering from exostosis.
Fluid buildup in the middle ear
One of the symptoms of a cold is fluid buildup in the middle ear. Children who have this condition tend to have a lower immune system and have a harder time fighting respiratory infections. They also have more horizontal Eustachian tubes, making it more difficult for fluid to drain from the middle ear. Fortunately, most cases of fluid buildup in the middle ear resolve on their own and without medical intervention.
A healthcare provider can detect fluid in the middle ear by looking at the eardrum. A slight retraction of the eardrum and a slightly abnormal color in the fluid are indicators of fluid in the ear. A tympanometry test is also a common way to check for fluid. The doctor inserts the speculum into the middle ear, bringing the eardrum into view. Experienced physicians can see any bubbles or fluid behind the eardrum, as well as the abnormal movement of the eardrum.
Inflammation of the middle ear can also lead to infections, and if left untreated, the infection can spread to nearby tissues. Infection of the mastoid (inflammation of the mastoid bone) is a common problem, which can lead to pus-filled cysts. Severe middle ear infections can affect the membranes surrounding the brain and may require surgical repair.
Most children will experience ear infections after a cold or respiratory infection. When this happens, viruses settle in the middle ear and cause fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Because children have smaller Eustachian tubes, this means that the fluid that collects behind the eardrum cannot drain. This creates negative pressure in the middle ear, which can cause ear pain, dizziness, and temporary hearing loss.
Congestion
Aside from the discomforts of a cough and runny nose, cold and flu symptoms can also cause hearing loss. Although this is temporary, it adds to the misery of being sick. While most cases of cold-induced hearing loss are temporary, some individuals may suffer from permanent hearing damage if they don't take care of the problem. Here are the symptoms to look out for. In addition to hearing loss, other cold-related symptoms can lead to infection and further hearing damage.
A cold can cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear, causing sounds to travel less efficiently. It can also cause an ear infection, causing hearing loss that lasts for a few weeks. Medications can help clear up this fluid and prevent hearing loss. Once it's gone, the condition should return to normal. But if you're not able to cure the underlying cause of your hearing loss, you may need to visit a physician.
Getting plenty of rest is essential when suffering from a cold. Stay away from vigorous exercise. Make sure you get plenty of fluids and avoid spreading the germs. Using ear drops or nasal saline will help alleviate your congestion, as well as make the symptoms of the cold and flu go away faster. However, if you have a severe cold or flu, you may need medical attention to get rid of your symptoms.
In addition to ear pain and difficulty with hearing, a cold may cause swelling around the auditory nerve. This swelling will affect your hearing temporarily, but if left untreated, it may lead to permanent hearing loss. Luckily, the majority of cases of cold-induced hearing loss are temporary, so don't panic. Treatment is vital to keep yourself healthy. In addition to hearing loss, it can also prevent a cold from worsening and causing other problems.
Sinusitis
A common occurrence in children, sinusitis can cause a variety of symptoms including facial pressure, stuffed nose, and a fever. While it can be treated at home with over-the-counter products, a physician should be consulted for further treatment options. If your symptoms don't improve or persist, or you experience hearing loss, you should visit a doctor to diagnose the condition and seek treatment.
Aside from tooth pain, a sinus infection can also lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and a headache. Nasal congestion can also worsen your condition and cause a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears. Aside from sinusitis, you can experience hearing loss caused by a cold or allergy. However, your symptoms can be aggravated by certain medications, such as antihistamines.
If you suffer from these symptoms and have been experiencing ear pain, your healthcare provider may suggest you visit a physician. They will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to rule out any underlying medical conditions. The doctor will check your ears, nose, and sinuses, and may even use an endoscope to see inside your nose. Some healthcare providers may even refer you to an ENT specialist or order a CT scan. Sinusitis can be treated in several ways, depending on its severity and underlying cause.
A sinus infection can affect your hearing in several ways. Generally, you won't lose your hearing due to a single sinus infection, but if you have recurring sinus infections, it may permanently damage your hearing. A cold that doesn't clear can lead to a bacterial sinus infection. If this is the case, you should consult with a physician. In addition to a thorough physical exam, your doctor will also look at your medical history to diagnose the type of sinusitis you have. A proper diagnosis will allow you to determine the most effective treatment for your symptoms.
Proper ear protection
Prolonged exposure to cold weather can have negative effects on your health and may even cause irreversible damage to your ears. This is why proper ear protection is important. Ears are comprised mostly of cartilage and lack insulating muscle and fat. As a result, they are very sensitive to cold temperatures and are the first body part to respond to them. Cold temperatures can also affect the hearing ability of people.
The changing of the leaves signifies the approach of the cold season. This season can bring cold temperatures, wet weather, and increased exposure to colds. Cold weather is also more likely to damage hearing aids. Proper ear protection is important for those who regularly engage in cold sports. You should also consider how to clean your hearing aids. Using cotton buds while cleaning the device is not recommended.
During cold weather, the blood vessels in the ears begin to constrict to conserve heat. As a result, your hearing aids will not function properly. Earplugs, hats, and earmuffs can prevent the problem. Besides preventing hearing loss, they can also protect your hearing aids and prolong their battery life. Earmuffs can be helpful in blocking wind and moisture. You may also want to wear hearing aid sweatbands and a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup on your hearing aids. Cold temperatures can also cause ear infections. You should be on guard for the early symptoms of these conditions, including ringing in the ears.
Noise-reducing earmuffs are important year-round protection for the ear. If you work in a construction environment, you may want to consider buying a set for your workplace. This type of protection will keep your ear dry from excess moisture, preventing infections and damage. In some cases, people may even try to insert a foreign object into their ears, which can cause further problems.
conclusion
In conclusion, cold weather can have surprising effects on hearing health. Symptoms such as fluid buildup in the middle ear, congestion, exostosis, and sinusitis can all lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss if left untreated. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing any hearing loss or related symptoms during or after a cold. Additionally, proper ear protection during cold weather is crucial for maintaining ear health and preventing damage.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Ear infection (middle ear). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20372373
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2019). Ear infections in children. Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children