Understanding the Impact of Fall Allergies on Hearing Loss

As autumn arrives, so do allergens like pollen and mold spores, which can bring more than just the usual sneezes and itchy eyes. Surprisingly, these seasonal allergies can have an impact on our ability to hear. The sensitive parts of our ears, including the middle ear, can be affected. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to counteract these symptoms, especially with the help of your audiologist!

Why Seasonal Ear Health is Essential

Like the weather, there are many other seasonal changes, and they can affect your hearing. Hot and cold changes, water from rain, and increased air pressure that causes wind can and probably will affect your hearing. Then, there are common infections and inflammation caused by other seasonal problems like cold and flu viruses. Any of these makes seasonal ear checkups, especially in the fall, more essential so you can combat these issues early and head-on.

Fall Allergies and Your Hearing

Pollen allergies are a common concern, persisting across seasons. In the fall, pollen levels can fluctuate, impacting individuals with allergies. This allergen’s potency is influenced by various factors, potentially leading to discomfort and hearing-related issues. Elevated pollen counts may cause fluid accumulation in the middle ear, affecting the function of the Eustachian tube. Consequently, individuals may experience sensations of fullness in their ears and encounter temporary hearing difficulties.

Associated Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

Allergies will cause your body to respond in various ways when you have an allergic reaction. These can be mild or very uncomfortable and affect your ears in numerous ways, such as:

• The allergen response means your body releases histamines that react.
• Your ears can become really itchy when you have an allergic reaction.
• You may also feel dizzy and a bit off-balance when you experience allergies.
• Congestion and other issues can cause painful earache in one or both.
• Tinnitus can be made a little worse when you have an allergic reaction.

These symptoms will often go away as the allergic reaction does, too. Unfortunately, your quality of life may already be affected.

The Types of Seasonal Hearing Loss

Severe allergies not only have the potential to induce hearing loss but can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions. Typical allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing and sinus blockage can directly influence the ears. These symptoms primarily affect the middle ear, creating a sensation of pressure that may require equalization. Additionally, the outer ear may cause symptoms like itching and swelling due to allergic reactions. Individuals with underlying conditions like Meniere’s Disease may find their inner ear issues aggravated by intense allergy episodes.

Your Hearing Aids and Allergens

Between itchiness and a feeling of clogged ears, allergies can also change your listening experience if you use hearing aids. It always helps to keep your ears and the device clean. But you can also take some extra steps to ensure allergies don’t make it worse than it has to be. Hypoallergenic cleaning products can reduce irritation and allergic reactions, and purifying the air in your home will keep these allergens at bay.

Tinnitus and Fall Allergies

In addition to unwanted symptoms and temporary hearing loss, tinnitus can also be made worse when allergies are high. An increase in earwax production caused by allergies can lead to clogged ears and the issues that come with them, such as itching, earaches and inflammation. Seasonal tinnitus is a symptom of Eustachian tube dysfunction, which is caused by sinus infections as well. Tinnitus comes across as buzzing, ringing or roaring in the ears. It can help to see an audiologist if you experience allergy-related hearing or tinnitus symptoms.

What You Can Do

To safeguard against hearing loss triggered by allergies, particularly in the fall, adopting proactive measures is vital. First, consider using high-quality air purifiers in your home to reduce allergens. Regularly cleaning and dusting your living spaces can also help minimize exposure. When spending time outdoors, especially during high pollen seasons, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can deter allergens from settling around your ears and face. Lastly, scheduling regular check-ups with an audiologist can ensure any early signs of hearing issues are promptly addressed, preventing potential exacerbation due to allergies.

If you are having a hard time with fall allergies and hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out for more help! You can learn more about how these two conditions impact each other and what solutions are available to ease auditory concerns by calling Audiology Partners, LLC at (856) 712-1933.