Why ears hurt in the cold
- Little insulation: the outer ear has thin skin and almost no fat.
- Narrowing blood vessels: cold reduces blood flow to the ears.
- Sensitive nerves: many nerve endings react to cold.
- Wind chill: wind increases heat loss.
Pain typically settles within minutes of warming up.
Colds, flu and blocked Eustachian tubes
Winter infections cause swelling in the nose and Eustachian tubes, leading to ear fullness, popping and pain, and sometimes middle ear infections. Ear pain with a cold is common, particularly in children.
See ear pain when blowing your nose and ear infection and sore throat.
Ear infections in winter
Middle ear infections cause throbbing pain, reduced hearing and sometimes fever. Outer ear infections cause pain on touching the ear, itching and discharge. Most middle ear infections improve within 3 days with pain relief.
Surfer’s ear (exostoses)
Repeated exposure to cold water and wind can cause bony growths in the ear canal. They narrow the canal, trap water and wax, and lead to repeated infections and muffled hearing. They develop over years in surfers, swimmers, kayakers and divers.
See surfer’s ear.
Pain from nearby areas
- Jaw joint problems, worse when clenching in the cold.
- Tooth sensitivity or dental infection.
- Sinus inflammation.
- Nerve pain in the face, such as trigeminal neuralgia, which can be triggered by cold wind.
See jaw and ear pain.
Frostnip and frostbite
In very cold conditions, especially with wind, the ears can freeze. Frostnip causes red, numb, tingling skin that recovers on warming. Frostbite causes white, hard, numb skin that may blister after rewarming and needs urgent medical care.
How to protect your ears
- Wear a hat that covers the ears, a headband or ear muffs.
- Use a scarf or hood in windy weather.
- Keep ears dry; wet ears cool faster.
- Use earplugs and a neoprene hood for cold water sports.
- Treat colds early with rest, fluids and nasal rinses.
Warming up cold ears
- Cover the ears and move into a warm place.
- Hold warm (not hot) hands over the ears.
- Avoid direct heat such as hairdryers or radiators.
- Do not rub cold, numb ears hard.
Relieving ear pain at home
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- A warm compress over the ear.
- Rest and fluids during a cold.
- Avoid putting objects or drops in the ear unless advised.
See clogged ears.
Flying and travelling in winter
Flying with a cold increases the risk of ear pain from pressure changes. Swallowing, yawning, chewing gum and decongestant sprays used as advised can help. If you have a heavy cold, consider postponing travel.
See ear barotrauma.
Children and cold weather
Children are more prone to ear infections in winter. Covering their ears outdoors, washing hands to reduce colds and keeping them away from cigarette smoke reduce risk. Ear pain with high fever, discharge or unusual drowsiness needs medical assessment.
Winter sports and outdoor work
Skiers, cyclists, runners and people who work outdoors are exposed to cold air and wind for long periods. Thin, breathable headbands or helmet liners protect the ears without overheating. Take breaks indoors in very cold conditions, and check your ears for numbness or colour changes.
When to see a doctor
- Severe pain or pain lasting more than 3 days.
- Discharge, bleeding or hearing loss.
- High fever or feeling very unwell.
- Swelling behind the ear.
- White, hard, numb or blistered ears after cold exposure.
- Repeated infections after cold water sports.
Key points to remember
- Ears hurt in the cold because they are exposed and sensitive.
- Winter colds can block the Eustachian tubes and cause infections.
- Cold water and wind can cause surfer’s ear.
- Covering the ears and staying dry prevent most cold ear pain.
Questions about ear pain in the cold
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
Why do my ears hurt when it is cold?
Cold narrows blood vessels and irritates the nerves in the exposed outer ear.
Can cold weather cause an ear infection?
Not directly, but winter colds increase the risk.
Should I cover my ears in the cold?
Yes, hats, headbands or ear muffs reduce pain.
How long does cold ear pain last?
It usually eases within minutes of warming up.
What is surfer’s ear?
Bony growths in the ear canal from repeated cold water and wind exposure.
Can wind cause ear pain?
Yes, wind increases heat loss and irritation.
Is it safe to use a hairdryer to warm ears?
No, direct heat can burn cold, numb skin.
Why do my ears hurt after swimming in winter?
Cold water can irritate the ear canal and increase infection risk.
When should I worry about ear pain in winter?
If it is severe, lasts more than 3 days or comes with discharge or fever.
Can cold weather cause pain inside the ear?
Cold air in the ear canal can cause aching, which eases on warming.
Sources
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.