Winter has arrived, and with it come the complications often triggered by colder temperatures. When the weather turns cold, many people experience ear pain or discomfort (acute otitis), along with nasal or throat irritation. However, symptoms caused by cold weather are often confused with infections, or vice versa.
Ear pain is one of the most common health complaints and can affect people of all ages. It may appear as a mild discomfort or as intense stabbing pain, in one or both ears. In most cases, if you’re lucky, it resolves on its own within a week or two.
The primary culprits are bacteria, and sometimes viruses, found in mucus that travels through the Eustachian tube, which connects the nose and ear. These microbes cause pus to accumulate in the middle ear, creating pressure against the eardrum.
Children are particularly vulnerable to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, which allows easier passage of germs and fluid buildup.
Even daily habits can affect ear health. For example, using a hairdryer too close to the ear with high heat can create a temperature shock between the outer and inner ear, potentially triggering inflammation or infections.
Sudden temperature changes can be harmful not just for children but also for adults and the elderly.
In children, pain is usually the main symptom. In adults, it may show up as mild hearing loss or temporary discomfort, such as buzzing or ringing in the ears.
Simple Tips to Protect Your Ears in Winter:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing
- Use cotton swabs sparingly and gently, especially in children
- Limit excessive use of smartphones; use headphones and keep the volume low when listening to music
- During hair drying, keep the dryer at a distance from your ears to avoid overheating the ear canal
- If ear pain lasts more than two weeks, consult your doctor for a specialist visit
We asked Dr. Chiara Cerovac, ENT specialist, a few questions:
Does Cold Weather Cause Ear Infections?
Cold weather is not the direct cause of otitis, contrary to popular belief. However, it can indirectly contribute to middle ear infections, which are more common in winter due to the spread of viruses and bacteria associated with colds and flu.
Spending long hours indoors in close contact with others also increases the risk.
In summer, ear infections still occur, but they usually affect the outer ear canal, not the eardrum (e.g., swimmer’s ear).
How Can You Recognize Acute Ear Infections?
Acute ear infections cause intense pain, often accompanied by:
- Fever
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Discharge of pus from the ear canal
Is It True That Mask-Wearing Reduced Ear Infections?
Yes. The use of face masks and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the spread of infectious diseases, particularly respiratory infections.
As a result, ear and nasal infections in children dropped noticeably.
What Treatment Is Recommended for Acute Ear Pain?
If you’re experiencing severe ear pain, it’s important to see a doctor or specialist.
In the meantime, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage the pain.
After examination, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which are commonly used to treat bacterial ear infections.