Is Allergy Season Affecting Your Hearing?

Do you dread allergy season because of the sneezing, sniffling and watery eyes? What you might not realize is along with the red eyes and runny nose, allergies can affect your hearing too. Seasonal allergies can cause swelling and build-up of mucus in the middle ear.

Normally, a tube called the Eustachian tube that connects your nose to your throat helps to equalize pressure, but allergies can cause this tube to malfunction. When it does, you may experience a sense of fullness in your ear, popping, and reduced hearing. The decreased hearing is usually associated with sounds being “muffled” or hard to distinguish. Popping your ears will often relieve the symptoms temporarily.

Allergists see lots of cases of Eustachian tube dysfunction during allergy season, and it can be associated with hearing problems. In some cases, Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause other symptoms like dizziness and balance problems. If you suffer from tinnitus or ringing in the ears, allergies and Eustachian tube dysfunction can make the ringing and abnormal sounds louder.  

When your Eustachian tubes aren’t working properly due to allergies, fluid builds up in your middle and further worsens hearing problems. In some cases, bacteria enter the fluid and cause a middle ear infection. So, allergies can impact how clearly you hear and even increase your risk for an ear infection.

You may not be able to completely avoid the allergens to which you are allergic, but medications are available to reduce the allergic response your body mounts against them, so you experience fewer symptoms. Some people also respond to allergy shots that desensitize your body to the allergens over time. If you are experiencing problems with hearing, be sure to get a hearing test as well. Protect your hearing – you need it to last a lifetime.

References:

Medical News Today. (2011). Allergies worst in years this spring, including hearing problems. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/226999.php