Despite the crazy weather we have been experiencing lately, allergy season is in full effect. That means for many Americans this is a time filled with sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and other allergy symptoms that can typically make one feel miserable. Unfortunately, last year’s allergy season was reported to be one of the worst ever, and this year isn’t looking so good thus far. While the standard allergy symptoms are typical for this time of year, did you know that the increase of mucus production can actually cause conductive hearing loss? Conductive hearing loss is when excess earwax or fluid blocks sound waves from traveling through the ear and to the tiny bones of the middle ear.
You may be wondering if there is a link between allergies and hearing loss, and there is. Yes, this means your allergies could account for your diminished sense of hearing. On top of having vertigo, swelling, itching, and feeling of fullness in the ear. While this condition is curable, it can make it difficult to hear temporarily.
The Three Types of Hearing Loss that is Allergy Related
Inner Ear: If you have Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disease, allergies can contribute to your loss of hearing.
Middle Ear: If there is swelling that is blocking the opening to your middle ear, chances are your Eustachian tube may not be able to drain correctly. When this happens, fluid and pressure build up, giving you the sensation of fullness. This fluid buildup can cause hearing loss and also provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to an infection.
Outer Ear: When you have allergies to your surroundings, this can create allergic skin reactions to both the outer ear and ear canal. Itching and swelling can occur, which can hinder your ability to hear.
Luckily, any decrease in hearing you may experience as a result of allergies is typically temporary, and after your symptoms subside, your ability to hear usually returns. However, if you are experiencing any ear pain or your hearing doesn’t come back after your symptoms subside, make an appointment with a trusted hearing health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, allergies can lead to conductive hearing loss by causing increased mucus production or fluid buildup that blocks sound waves from reaching the middle ear, resulting in a temporary reduction in hearing ability.
Allergies can affect hearing through three main types: inner ear issues such as Meniere’s disease where allergies worsen hearing loss; middle ear problems involving swelling and fluid buildup blocking the Eustachian tube causing hearing loss and infection risk; and outer ear allergic reactions causing itching and swelling that hinder hearing.
Allergic reactions can cause swelling that blocks the Eustachian tube, preventing proper fluid drainage from the middle ear. This fluid buildup increases pressure and fullness sensation, leading to conductive hearing loss and creating an environment prone to bacterial infections.
Typically, hearing loss caused by allergies is temporary. Once allergy symptoms such as swelling and fluid buildup subside, hearing usually returns to normal. Persistent hearing loss or ear pain after symptoms improve should be evaluated by a hearing specialist.
Symptoms can include vertigo, itching, swelling, a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, and in some cases, ear pain. These signs suggest that allergies might be causing ear congestion or inflammation affecting hearing.
If you experience persistent ear pain, hearing loss that does not improve after your allergy symptoms subside, or signs of infection, you should make an appointment with a trusted hearing health professional for evaluation and treatment.
