Seasonal allergies are a lot of trouble, as they affect both the eyes and the nose. But most people don’t realize that it can affect their ears in many ways they don’t know. For some people, allergy season doesn’t just cause sneezing and congestion but also some forms of hearing loss.
The connection between allergies and hearing loss happens more regularly than one might know. By fully understanding how allergies will affect hearing, one can take care of their ears during these seasons and get professional help.
How Allergies Affect the Ears
Whenever a person is allergic, the immune system instantly reacts to substances like pollen, dust or pet dander. In response to this, the brain releases histamines, which cause inflammation and excess mucus production. Although this is obvious in the way the nasal passage gets blocked and the eyes water, it also affects the ears.
The ear, nose, and throat are closely related, so when there’s inflammation in one area, the others will also be affected. In the ears, there’s an Eustachian tube, which regulates pressure, but allergies can make it swell up. It causes fluid to build up in the middle ear, and so any sound coming in will get muffled.
When Allergies Lead to Ear Infections
In many cases, allergies cause fluid buildup in the ears, and this is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. As bacteria grow in the ear, it leads to an infection, causing hearing loss, pain, and other feelings of imbalance.
Children get ear infections more often than adults during allergy seasons because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and can get easily blocked. As for adults with severe allergies, they might also get infections regularly. To restore hearing after this, it’s best to manage the allergies and immediately treat the infection.
Temporary Hearing Changes During Allergy Season
Hearing changes caused by allergies are usually temporary. Once the allergic reaction goes down and the inflammation disappears, hearing goes back to normal. But during allergy seasons, one might have feelings of fullness in the ears, and all sounds will be muffled.
When allergies cause temporary hearing loss, this is directly related to fluid and pressure changes instead of any damage to the inner ear. Long periods of allergies are pretty disruptive and have a major impact on those who already have hearing loss.
Allergies and Inner Ear Symptoms
Whenever there are allergy-related changes in the ears, the inner ear might also be affected as much as the middle ear. For example, individuals with Meniere’s disease experience their symptoms more during the allergy season. These include dizziness, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears.
This isn’t a common situation, but it proves that allergic reactions have a negative impact on the delicate cells in the inner ear. By managing these allergy symptoms, one can reduce any flare-ups and eventually promote better hearing health.
The Importance of Addressing Both Allergies and Hearing
Ignoring hearing changes caused by allergies can cause worse issues for a person’s health. For example, if fluid continues to build up in the ears, it can cause some problems in the middle ear. Also, constant ear infections can cause lasting damage to overall health if they’re not treated early.
Addressing these allergy symptoms and other complications related to the ears will protect the ears in the long term. There are different ways to manage allergies, like staying away from causes of allergies, using prescribed medications, and booking regular hearing appointments during allergy seasons.
Final Thoughts
If a person’s hearing changes during the allergy season, the best thing to do is pay attention. Although the symptoms will go away once the allergy symptoms have gone down, it’s still recommended to keep track of all these details. Also, provide them to a hearing health professional during a hearing test, as this will check whether these changes are only temporary or not.
By fully understanding the relation between allergies and the ears, one can protect their hearing during the allergy season. Remember to manage the allergy symptoms effectively and address any changes to hearing, as this will eventually reduce discomfort and keep hearing clear every season.