Allergies, Congestion, and Hearing – Achoo!
Allergy season can leave you feeling miserable. With spring comes sniffles, sneezes, and congestion for millions of people. In addition to the common symptoms of spring allergies, did you know your hearing can be affected as well?
Pollen, grass, trees, and pet fur are all allergens that can create the production of antibodies in your immune system. These antibodies then release histamine, which can cause allergic reactions. As a result, you may experience sneezing, itching, congestion, and increased mucus production. With an increase in mucus production, you will then have an excess of fluid in the inner ear, which can be responsible for conductive hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss is when sound cannot get through the outer and middle ear, resulting in sounds seeming muffled or unclear. A blockage in the ear, excess fluid, or a ruptured eardrum are all causes of conductive hearing loss.
Spring allergies can cause itchiness, swelling, and fluid build-up in your ears. If you are experiencing discomfort, you should visit a hearing healthcare professional. A hearing professional will be able to look inside your ears and determine what has caused your discomfort and possibly correct it.
If you already have sensorineural hearing loss, then allergies can make your hearing even worse. If you develop conductive hearing loss in conjunction with an existing hearing loss, then it can seem near impossible at times to hear at all. Luckily, there are solutions to help you.
If you have allergies or congestion, then an over-the-counter medicine could help. Decongestants and antihistamines will help alleviate your symptoms. If your ears are still bothering you or your hearing doesn’t improve with an antihistamine, then contact us for an appointment. We can look inside your ears and help you develop a plan to experience relief.
Any time you have a sudden change in hearing you should contact a hearing healthcare professional and schedule a hearing evaluation. Early detection of hearing loss is key to maintaining optimal health and quality of life. Have your hearing tested to determine your baseline and maintain your hearing health with annual check-ups.
Don’t let springtime allergies affect your hearing and quality of life. Call The Hearing Group today at 973-542-4031 to schedule a hearing evaluation.
