Ear Nose and Throat
Why are earaches more common in cold weather?
Your ears are complex structures which manage hearing, balance and pressure in your face and head. The moving parts in the middle ear transmit sound, circulating fluid in the inner ear helps you maintain balance, and the Eustachian tube connects these spaces with the mouth and throat. Cold weather can make these structures more sensitive, resulting in pain, pressure or dizziness.
Symptoms can be the result of infection anywhere in the ear, sinuses or throat. Changes in temperature can change the pressure di fferentials in these structures. Fluid within the middle ear from any cause can also result in permanent hearing loss, and may require placement of tubes to equalize the pressure and drain excess fl uid. Some ears are just very sensitive when exposed to cold and wind.
The best treatment for winter ear pain is prevention.
- Be sure your ears are dry when you go out in cold and wintry weather
- Protect ears with hats or earmuff s
- Take precautions to avoid colds and fl u
- If you develop fever, dizziness, persistent or recurrent pain or drainage, it's time to consult your physician.
Otolaryngologists at Stony Point
Surgery Center are
specialists in the
treatment of hearing,
balance and
related problems in
both children
and adults. Our staff is recognized
for the application of
the most advanced
diagnostic and treatment
choices available today,
with care and
compassion.
Stony Point Ear Nose and Throat Surgeons
Nadir Ahmad, M.D
VCU Health System
(804) 828-3965
Michael Armstrong, Jr., M.D.
Richmond ENT
804-330-5501
Matthew Bridges, M.D.
Commonwealth Facial Plastic Surgery
804-378-7443
Daniel Coelho, M.D.
VCU Health System
(800) 628-4141
Laurence DiNardo, M.D.
VCU Health System
(800) 628-4141
Kelly Dodson, M.D.
VCU Health System
(800) 628-4141
Evan Reiter, M.D.
VCU Health System
(804) 628-4368
Wayne T. Shaia, M.D.
The Balance & Ear Center
804-330-5501
Charles M. Johnson,III, M.D.
VCU Health System
804-828-3965
Travis Shaw., M.D.
Richmond ENT
804-330-5501