Audiologist shares advice to skiers before they hit the slopes this winter.
As December approaches, so does ski season, as people across the country add a fresh coat of wax to their skis and dust off the snow boots. However, a UK audiologist is advising it’s not just sunburn and twisted ankles Brits might encounter as they take on the slopes, but also discomfort and potential issues with our ears…
With 120 million tourists flocking to the Alps each year according to the WWF[1], Chris Cartwright, Director of Audiology at The Audiology Academy has collaborated with Earol® and their recently launched Almond Oil Spray to advise skiers of the potential challenges to our ears when venturing high into the snowy peaks.
Chris explains why Earol® Almond Oil is a must when packing for the mountains, revealing how high altitude can affect your ears and overall health in surprising ways. According to the Mayo Clinic, those travelling more than 8,000 feet above sea level may experience a condition called ‘ear barotrauma’. Whilst not generally known, research has found this condition may be present in 20% of skiers[2]. Ear barotrauma is caused by air pressure changes at higher elevations, and the Eustachian Tube that connects the middle ear to your nose and throat which normally helps to regulate your ear pressure; is blocked.
Ear barotrauma results in discomfort and pain in one or both ears. The unpleasant symptoms may also include dizziness, hearing loss, a blocked feeling in the ear and vertigo for those exposed to prolonged ear barotrauma, resulting in nausea and vomiting. People suffering from these levels of symptoms would be best advised to seek medical assistance to avoid potential damage or complications[3].
However, skiers are faced with a double whammy when it comes to risks to their ears. Another impact of the pressure and temperature of mountainous conditions is extremely low humidity. This alone can lead to drying out of the ear drum, resulting in a decrease of the ear drum’s flexibility and a reduced capacity to adapt to changes in air pressure at high altitudes[4].
Sharing his advice on how to prevent these conditions, Chris Cartwright said: “When prescribed by a GP or pharmacist, the use of decongestants and/or antihistamines can help maintain a healthy and functioning Eustachian tube. In addition, you can use Earol® Almond Oil which provides a metered dose spray that is not only gentle on the ears and perfect for those with sensitive skin, but one of its fabulous properties includes being anemollient, which helps the skin of the eardrum lock in moisture and therefore helps to maintain its flexibility.”
Earol® Almond Oil Spray has been specially developed to be gentle on the ears and is clinically proven to prevent and soothe dry and itchy ears. It also supports ear hygiene by keeping earwax soft, also naturally removing ear wax, reducing the need for wax removal. Specially developed with natural ingredients for sensitive skin, each spray delivers a measured amount directly into the ear.
[1] https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/alps/problems/tourism
[2] https://www.dizziland.com/high-altitude-ears-health/
[3] https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/ear-barotrauma.html
