Winter Hearing Care: Enjoy the Season Without Compromising Your Hearing

Ealing Hearing Centre • November 7, 2023

Winter is a magical season filled with crisp air, snowy landscapes, and joyful celebrations. However, the colder months can bring unique challenges to our hearing health. In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the ways you can ensure that your hearing remains in top shape throughout the winter season.


Protect Against Cold Air


Cold, dry air can be harsh on your ears and may lead to discomfort or even ear infections. To combat this, wearing a warm hat that covers your ears is a simple yet effective way to protect them from the cold. Not only will this keep you warm, but it will also safeguard your ears from the chill.


Moisturise Your Ears


The low humidity of winter can cause the skin inside your ears to become dry and itchy. Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal, but do use a hypoallergenic moisturiser on the outer part of your ears to relieve any discomfort. This simple step can help maintain the moisture balance.


Ear Protection for Winter Sports


If you're a winter sports enthusiast, you'll want to take extra precautions. Snowy activities like skiing and snowboarding expose your ears to cold air and wind, which can be harmful. Invest in specialised earplugs designed for winter sports to maintain a comfortable ear temperature and protect your hearing.


Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle


Your overall health plays a crucial role in your hearing well-being. Staying hydrated and consuming a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals can support your auditory system. Proper hydration helps maintain the moisture balance in your ears, while nutrients contribute to overall ear health.


Care for Your Hearing Aids


If you're a hearing aid user, remember that your devices need special attention during the winter months. Cold weather can drain battery life, so always carry spare batteries unless they are rechargeable. Additionally, protect your hearing aids from moisture and extreme cold when they're not in use.


Seek Professional Guidance


If you encounter any discomfort or hearing issues during the winter season, don't hesitate to consult with an Audiologist or healthcare professional. They can provide expert guidance and address any concerns to ensure your hearing remains in the best possible condition. Here at Ealing Hearing Centre we would love to help you.


In conclusion, winter is a time for celebration and enjoyment, and with these tips, you can embrace the season without compromising your hearing health. By taking care of your ears and being mindful of the unique challenges winter brings, you can fully savour all the beauty and festivities this time of year has to offer. Get in touch for more information.

Wax in Ears Symptoms: How They Present and Why They’re Often Misread

By Aarti Raicha • December 29, 2025
For many adults, wax-related ear problems show up quietly. Speech may start to sound less clear, one ear may feel slightly fuller than the other, or listening may feel more tiring than usual, without any obvious pain to point to the ear as the cause. When symptoms develop this way, wax is rarely what people think of first. Changes in hearing or comfort are more often blamed on tiredness, sinus pressure, or simply getting older, and the ear canal is not always considered until the problem has been there for a while. Changes in Hearing Clarity Hearing often feels different before it feels reduced. Voices can start to sound flatter or harder to pick out, especially in places with background noise, even when nothing feels obviously quieter. It also tends to vary. Some days, one ear feels more affected than the other, or things seem clearer at one point in the day and less so later on, which makes it easy to assume the problem is temporary rather than ear-related. Because these changes build gradually, many people adapt without realising how much extra effort listening has begun to require. A Feeling of Fullness or Pressure Another change people commonly notice is a sense of fullness in the ear. This is often described as pressure or blockage, similar to the feeling some experience after swimming or during changes in air pressure. The sensation can become more noticeable when chewing, yawning, or lying on one side, and it may shift slightly depending on how the wax sits within the ear canal. As it is rarely painful, it is easy to tolerate for longer than expected. Over time, this constant awareness of the ear can become distracting, even if it never develops into sharp discomfort. Ringing or Internal Sounds

How to Unblock Wax in Ears: What Actually Helps and What Often Makes It Worse

By Aarti Raicha • December 20, 2025
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What's the Safest Way to Remove Hard Ear Wax?

By Aarti Raicha • November 28, 2025
People, you probably just see earwax as something to remove. But its role is crucial: it’s your ear’s natural defence system against foreign particles and bacteria. The problem only happens when this protective barrier eventually dries up and turns into a blockage. Understanding Hardened Earwax Hardened earwax develops when it dries up and becomes firmly lodged, or impacted, inside the ear canal. This impaction isn't just a physical blockage; it can trigger a range of symptoms that severely impact your well-being: A persistent feeling of blocked ears or fullness Tinnitus (a distracting ringing or buzzing) Occasional dizziness or balance issues Noticeable reduction in hearing or muffled hearing . The hardening is often due to factors outside your control, such as age, genetic predisposition, the unique anatomy of your ear canals, or certain past medical events. Gentle Ways to Soften Wax at Home (Exercise Caution) Before seeking professional intervention, you may try softening the wax yourself. However, we must stress that safety and caution are paramount. 1. Medical-Grade Olive Oil Drops Gently warm some medical-grade olive oil (it should feel lukewarm, never hot) and place a few drops in the affected ear. Leave the oil to work for 10–15 minutes, then tilt your head to drain the excess. Repeating this 3–4 times daily for several days can significantly soften the blockage. 2. Over-the-Counter Drops Ask your local chemist for non-prescription drops designed to help break down earwax. If you prefer a ready-made solution, the pharmacist can guide you. The Absolute Rule of Ear Care This is vital: Never insert objects like cotton swabs, hairpins, or rolled-up tissue into your ear canal. These objects do not remove wax; they inevitably push the wax deeper against the eardrum, worsening the impaction and risking serious injury to the delicate inner ear structures. The Experts' Choice: Professional Ear Wax Removal in Ealing When home remedies prove insufficient, or if you are experiencing worrisome symptoms like pain, persistent ringing, or sudden hearing loss, consulting an expert is the safest course of action. Our professional services guarantee safe, accurate, and hygienic removal.