Winter is a season of crisp air, cozy sweaters and lots of snow. Along with the benefits of cold weather come a few less pleasant side effects, like dry skin, chapped lips and, for some, unexpected ear pain. If you’ve noticed your ears aching more during the winter months, you’re not alone. The cold wind, sinus issues and increased virus exposure can all play a role in that uncomfortable sensation.
Let’s take a closer look at why ear pain is common in the winter and how to manage it.
Common Causes of Winter Ear Pain
Three common causes of winter ear pain include:
- Virus exposure. Winter is a hotbed for the spread of cold and flu viruses. When you spend more time indoors, as is common during the winter, you increase your exposure to cold and flu viruses. When you catch a cold or flu, congested sinuses can clog the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. When the Eustachian tube is blocked, your likelihood of developing an ear infection goes up, often leading to ear pain.
- Sinus infection. Sinus issues can also impact your Eustachian tubes. Cold, dry winter air can irritate the tissues lining the sinuses, leading to inflammation that spreads to the Eustachian tube and increases your likelihood of ear infections.
- Cold wind. Cold temperatures can cool the ear canal, causing pain. Cold weather-related ear pain is similar to the discomfort your fingers or toes may feel after a long snowman fight in Franklin Park.
While winter ear pain is no fun, there are a few ways you can help prevent and manage it.
Preventing and Managing Winter Ear Pain
A few ways you can minimize winter ear issues include:
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, wear a face mask when sick or around sick people, wipe down frequently touched surfaces and avoid sharing food to minimize the spread of cold and flu viruses.
- Bundle up. Wearing a scarf or earmuffs can help protect your ears from extreme cold.
- Seek ENT help. An ENT specialist can conduct an ear and sinus exam to find the cause of your ear pain. If it’s sinus-related, they may recommend sinus irrigation or Balloon Sinuplasty to prevent inflammation and congestion. If you have frequent ear infections, they may recommend ear tubes to lower your risk of infection.
Ear pain isn’t pleasant, but we’re here to help. Contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today to schedule a diagnosis and treatment consultation.