The Link Between Seasonal Changes and Hearing

Seasonal changes, including shifts in temperature, humidity, and exposure to allergens, can significantly affect your hearing health. Cold weather, fluctuating atmospheric pressure, and extreme temperatures may exacerbate existing hearing issues or cause changes in hearing sensitivity.2 

As well as these atmospheric changes, your lifestyle may also shift depending on the seasons. If you’re someone who swims more during the summer months, it’s not uncommon to experience increased risk of ear infections.3 In the winter, colder temperatures can reduce circulation to your ears, also making them more prone to infections.4 

Now that you understand the link between seasonal changes and hearing health, let’s take a closer look at how each season impacts your hearing. 


Cold Weather and Your Hearing Health

Winter brings cold temperatures and, in some instances, greater rainfall and snow. This can pose a challenge to your auditory health as cold weather constricts blood vessels, reducing circulation to your ears and increasing the risk of infection. Similarly, the dry air associated with winter can also lead to a build-up of earwax.5 This can block your ear canal, affecting your hearing. 

During the colder months, consider the following tips:

  • Keep your ears covered with earmuffs or a hat
  • Stay hydrated to help prevent excessive earwax build up
  • If you wear hearing aids, protect them from extreme temperatures and moisture from rainfall or snow by keeping them stored in a safe case or using an umbrella when it’s raining.
 

How The Summer Heat Affects Hearing

Increased temperatures in the summer can lead to increased sweating. This moisture can build-up in your ears, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth and infections.6 For those who enjoy spending their summer by the beach or in a pool, chlorine and saltwater can also alter the pH balance in your ears, leading to swimmer’s ear.7  

To maintain optimal ear health during the summer, consider the following:

  • Use waterproof earplugs to keep water out of your ears while swimming
  • If your hearing aids are not waterproof, remove them before entering the water and keep them stored in a safe place, preferably in the shade and out of direct sunlight. 
  • Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or working out. 

 

How Spring Impacts Your Hearing

With the increased pollen count in spring, this season is often associated with more seasonal allergies. Often causing inflammation and congestion in the sinuses, your ears can be indirectly affected as a result. The feeling is one of fullness or pressure in the ears, while some may even experience temporary hearing loss.8 

If you struggle with seasonal allergies, it’s important to keep them under control with appropriate medication. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have concerns about your allergy symptoms. 

 

Autumn and Your Auditory Health

With its fluctuating temperatures, autumn can lead to changes in atmospheric pressure which can affect your hearing.1 You may notice hearing sensitivity during this time but the effects are usually temporary and short-lived. 

With autumn also being a time where common colds are circulated, these viruses can cause ear infections or temporary hearing loss.9 Keeping healthy during this season by practising good hygiene and staying active can do wonders for your overall health and your hearing. 

 

Symptoms of Seasonal Hearing Shifts

With each season bringing its own set of challenges for auditory health, it’s common to experience changes to your hearing or ear health. Remember, these fluctuations are normal reactions to environmental changes and often temporary.10 11 You may experience: 

  • Temporary changes in hearing sensitivity 
  • Discomfort due to changes in atmospheric pressure
  • Increased risk of ear infections during times of high humidity or extreme temperatures 
  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears

If you’re concerned about your hearing or symptoms, speak to your hearing care professional or health care provider. 
 

Protecting Your Ears Year-Round

Though seasonal changes may affect your hearing, you don’t need to fear. Protective measures can ensure your hearing remains a top priority no matter the seasons. Consider the following suggestions to help you manage changing weather conditions. 

  • Cover your ears with earmuffs, a hat, or a scarf during winter. Because our ears are mostly cartilage and poorly insulated, a protective layering will help to insulate them against the cold.12 
  • Keep dust and debris from high winds out of your ears with the use of earplugs. 
  • Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, umbrella, raincoat with hood, or waterproof earplugs can also help keep your ears dry during heavy rainfall. This will prevent water getting into your ears and setting up an environment for bacteria, which could lead to infection. 
  • Manage allergies by avoiding triggers, following the advice of your healthcare professional and keeping indoor spaces clean. 
  • Dehydration can deplete the fluid levels in your inner ear, affecting your hearing. Be sure to drink adequate amounts of water each day to protect your ears, particularly during the summer and higher temperatures.13 

Having an understanding of how seasonal changes affect your hearing health can help you prepare for such temperature shifts. While these strategies can help protect your hearing health, it’s important to get regular hearing check-ups throughout the year. 

 

Visit your local Connect Hearing clinic for a consultation. Our friendly team will check your hearing and help you manage any concerns, so you can take the first steps towards better hearing.  

 

References

  1. Audiologists (25 July 2024), Can the Weather Affect Ear Pressure?, https://audiologists.org, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  2. The Journal of International Advanced Otology (5 December 2011), Does Seasonal Variation Have an Effect on the Tendency and Severity of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?, www.advancedotology.org, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  3. Environmental Health (21 August 2013), The incidence and health burden of earaches attributable to recreational swimming in natural waters: a prospective cohort study, National Library of Medicine, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  4. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (13 January 2025), “Cover your ears!” How cold weather affects hearing, UAB News, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  5. Ear and Sinus Institute (n.d.), How Cold Weather Affects Your Ear, Nose & Throat, www.earandsinusinstitute.com, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  6. Harley Street ENT (24 July 2020), Is Your Ear Infection Getting Worse in the Summer Heat?, www.harleystreetent.com, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  7. Health Direct (n.d.), Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), www.healthdirect.gov.au, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  8. Los Gatos Audiology (n.d.), Seasonal Allergies and Their Impact on Hearing, https://losgatosaudiology.com, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  9. Journal of Audiology & Otology (30 March 2017), Factors Prognostic of Season-Associated Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Retrospective Observational Study, National Library of Medicine, accessed 11 January 2025 
  10. BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders (17 July 2002), Weather conditions and sudden sensorineural hearing loss, National Library of Medicine, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  11. Professional Hearing Solutions (27 June 2024), How Seasonal Changes May Affect Your Hearing, accessed 23 January 2025.
  12. Neil Sperling MD (31 December 2023), How The Cold Weather Can Affect Your Ears, www.neilsperlingmd.com, accessed 11 January 2025.
  13. Greater Knoxville ENT (1 June 2023), The Benefits of Staying Hydrated for Your ENT Health, https://greaterknoxent.com, accessed 18 January 2025.