Protecting ears from cold [closed]

Protecting ears from cold [closed] - Aerial Photography of Snow Covered Trees

I have friends traveling to Western Europe during winter (they come from a warm country), and they wonder how do people actually protect their ears from cold when walking outside (if they do it at all).

They have considered using thermal earmuffs. Since these can be easily found in European online shops, it would seem reasonable to assume that people actually wear them. But I never noticed people doing so, so maybe they're meant for indoors use only? Or mostly for tourists?

My question is: do people actually wear those earmuffs on the street? Or do they use some sort of caps/hats/other accessories instead?

europelocal-customswinter


Best Answer

I'm not sure what temperature will be there, "Western Europe" could be anywhere from Iceland, or Norway, or south Italy or Spain, or maybe just the UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands...

But no matter where, if it's regularly below freezing cold, I'm sure people outside for more than a few minutes would wear a hat of some sort (not counting high school kids who are cool enough they like frostbite). Here's a US chart about frostbite times (Temps in F though): frostbite wind chart

I've seen very few people wearing ear muffs anywhere (Canada, US, news from Europe), sometimes a headband, but more often a hat of some sort that at least partially covers their ears. There are always some people, either too cool, or unprepared, or with no feeling left, that just won't wear a hat or anything, but you do not want to copy them.

Maybe a toque like in Canada/us like these:
canada toqueear flap toque
or a funny one like this
Bender toque

Or searching "french mens winter hat" found this surplus military hat, or a womens beret-type or warm looking hats:
french military hatberetwarm womens hat

I've tried wearing cheap earmuffs in -5C to -20C weather before, they were nearly useless, since like most people my ears stick out a little bit from my head and the earmuffs were flat, so didn't do much. Using my hands/gloves would be warmer. "Cupped" ear muffs might work, but even then your head still gets cold, so definitely go for a hat.



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How do you protect your ears from a cold?

How Can You Keep Your Ears Protected From the Cold?
  • Wear a hat with snug-fitting ear flaps. ...
  • Fleece headbands that cover the ears can be worn under a warm hat or beanie for extra protection.
  • Commercial ear plugs are helpful, but custom-fitting ear plugs, made by a hearing specialist, can provide better protection.


    • Why do my ears get blocked when its cold?

    Fluid and mucus flows from the ear to the back of the throat through this tube, where it's swallowed. But instead of flowing down the throat, fluid and mucus can sometimes become trapped in the middle ear and clog the ear. This blockage usually accompanies an infection, such as the common cold, influenza, or sinusitis.

    Does covering ears prevent cold?

    To further avoid infection, be sure to switch out hats or muffs if they get wet since that can also prevent them from keeping your ears warm. While covering the ear is beneficial in protecting it from cold winter weather, putting items inside the ear is not as safe and effective.


    Clogged Ears \u0026 What Happens When They Do or Don't Pop Open (Eustachian Tube)



    More answers regarding protecting ears from cold [closed]

    Answer 2

    In Germany, people occasionally wear earmuffs, but headbands and in particular "bobble hats" or similar ear-covering cloth hats are definitely more widespread. Still, it is mostly a personal preference, so some people never wear anything like that, while others always do as soon as it gets cold. (In other words, there is usually no time where everyone starts wearing this kind of hats.) Other than that, the hoods of winter jackets (especially when they come with a furry border) are also used.

    Answer 3

    Personally I found that a beenie, and a tightly straped hoody works real well for cold conditions, like in the northeastern part of the USA,etc. Earmuffs are good, but usually expose the rest of your face and head, so.... choose wisely!

    :)

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Ruvim Miksanskiy, Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto, Karolina Grabowska, SHVETS production



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