{"id":271454,"date":"2025-12-06T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.horendgoed.nl\/geen-onderdeel-van-een-categorie\/cold-and-ears-heres-what-to-watch-out-for\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T14:11:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T13:11:47","slug":"cold-and-ears-heres-what-to-watch-out-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.horendgoed.nl\/en\/tips-tricks-en\/cold-and-ears-heres-what-to-watch-out-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Cold and ears: here’s what to watch out for"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Once the temperature drops and the wind acts like an impatient child pulling at your earlobe, your ears suddenly become more vulnerable than you think. In summer they whine at most about a splash of pool water, but in winter? Then they seem to have a subscription to throbbing, whining, tingling and even freezing. Yet many people don\u2019t know that cold and wind can affect your hearing quite a bit. In fact, your ears are more sensitive than a souffl\u00e9 in the oven. So time to explain what cold does to your ears and what you really need to watch out for. <\/p>\n\n

Why cold and ears are such a bad combination<\/h2>\n\n

Your ears have little protection. There is no layer of fat around them like around your hands or glutes (clean nature \u2013 you have to come into the world with something). Your earlobe and auricle are largely composed of cartilage, thin skin and lots of blood vessels. Once it gets cold outside, those blood vessels constrict, reducing warm, nourishing blood circulation. That\u2019s exactly why your ears feel cold so quickly and sometimes even hurt. <\/p>\n\n

In addition, wind is the big culprit. Wind amplifies the effect of cold \u2013 think wind chill \u2013 and blows directly against your ear. This can even cause temporary inflammation or irritation. As if your ears are saying, \u201cHello, what do you think?\u201d <\/p>\n\n

Ear pain from cold: how exactly does it work?<\/h2>\n\n

You may recognize the feeling: a sharp, almost electric sting in your auricle while cycling outside. That\u2019s because cold affects not only the outside of your ear, but also the nerves that run there. The trigeminal nerve, one of the largest nerves in your face, runs partially along the ears. Cold wind can activate those nerve impulses considerably, causing you to experience ear pain without any real damage. <\/p>\n\n

Sometimes, however, it goes a step further. With prolonged exposure, the nerves and blood vessels in the ear can become inflamed. And if you\u2019re already prone to ear problems \u2013 think previous inflammation or tube of Eustachian tube<\/a> that gets upset quickly \u2013 the chances of symptoms are even greater. <\/p>\n\n

What is surfers ear, and why do you get it even in winter?<\/h2>\n\n

Surfers ear is a condition in which extra bone growth occurs in the ear canal due to prolonged exposure to wind, cold and water. Although the name suggests being on a surfboard, it is just as common in sailors, skaters, hikers or braves who still bike to work at -5 degrees. <\/p>\n\n

Due to the combination of cold wind and moisture, your body reacts: it tries to protect the ear canal with bone formation. Cleverly devised by nature, not very convenient for humans. Extra bone growth narrows the ear canal, leading to worse sound and higher risk of inflammation. <\/p>\n\n

Winter ear infections: an uninvited guest<\/h2>\n\n

Cold not only makes your ears sensitive, it can indirectly contribute to middle ear infections<\/a>. How? Cold and dry air can irritate the mucous membranes in your nose and throat. And those are directly connected to your ears via the tube of Eustachian tube. If that tube does not work as well, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear. This area is a perfect place for bacteria to multiply. Bam: ignition.<\/p>\n\n

Children are especially affected because their Eustachian tube is shorter and narrower. Therefore, the risk during winter cold in kids is even higher than in adults. <\/p>\n\n

What can you do to protect your ears?<\/h2>\n\n

Fortunately, this is not a hopeless battle. You can do a lot to keep your ears happy during the cold months. <\/p>\n\n

Protective earplugs or skid caps<\/h3>\n\n

When it\u2019s windy outside like you\u2019re in a wind tunnel, special earplugs that block cold air are ideal. Ski plugs \u2013 the winter version of swimming plugs \u2013 seal your ear canal from wind and moisture. This prevents irritation, inflammation and that miserable stabbing pain. We make them to order for you, without appointment. Stop by at our swim and skidoo walk-in!<\/a><\/p>\n\n

A hat or ear warmer is not a luxury<\/h3>\n\n

You don\u2019t have to go straight for a plaid sheep\u2019s wool hat \u00e0 la mountain guide. A regular hat or ear warmer will keep the temperature of your ears stable. Warmth is key: even a few degrees difference makes a world of difference to your ear comfort. <\/p>\n\n

Keep your ears dry<\/h3>\n\n

Water on a cold earlobe not only feels uncomfortable, it also acts as a kind of mini air conditioner that makes your ear cool down even faster. So dry your ears thoroughly after showering, swimming or exercising. <\/p>\n\n

Avoid prolonged exposure<\/h3>\n\n

Are you standing along the soccer field and the wind is howling against your ears? Take a step out of the wind or pull up your hood. Small actions that prevent great misery. <\/p>\n\n

Build up your cold tolerance<\/h3>\n\n

Don\u2019t jump from tropical heated indoors directly into freezing temperatures with your ears unprotected. Especially if you already have sensitive ears. Give your body time to acclimate. <\/p>\n\n

What if your ears already hurt?<\/h2>\n\n

As soon as your ears begin to protest, listen to them. You don\u2019t need a doctor\u2019s degree to understand that pain is a signal. <\/p>\n\n