Spring in Ohio means gorgeous blooming flowers and warmer weather, but it also means relentless allergies for many. As if congestion and itchy eyes aren’t bad enough, your seasonal allergies may also affect your hearing. Read on to learn more about how your allergies affect your ears and when it’s time to book an exam with an audiologist near you.

Can Allergies Cause Hearing Loss?

The short answer: yes. While allergies are more commonly associated with sneezing, congestion, and sinus pressure, they can also affect your ears. For some, this means a mild sense of pressure or stuffiness. For others, it can result in temporary hearing loss.

Common Effects Allergies Can Have on Your Hearing

Your ears, nose, and throat are part of the same system, which means inflammation in one area often affects the others. When seasonal allergies cause swelling or fluid buildup, it can disrupt how sound travels through your ear. You might notice a feeling of fullness or that your hearing is muffled. In some cases, fluid trapped behind the eardrum can increase your risk of an ear infection if it doesn’t drain properly.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Hearing Loss From Allergies

If you deal with seasonal allergies, it’s worth taking steps to protect your ears, especially during peak pollen season. While it’s always important to take steps to prevent hearing loss caused by noise, there are additional ways to reduce your risk of ear-related issues from allergies.

• Keep your windows closed on high pollen days
• Change air filters in your home regularly
• Take antihistamines or decongestants as advised by your doctor
• Limit outdoor time when pollen counts are at their highest
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outside

How to Treat Hearing Loss From Allergies

How to Relieve Allergy-Induced Ear Pressure

If you’re already feeling the effects, the good news is that most allergy-related hearing changes are temporary and manageable. Here are a few ways you can relieve some of the pressure you’re experiencing at home:

• Use a nasal spray or other decongestants recommended by your doctor.
• Yawn, swallow, or chew gum to help gently pop your ears.
• Apply a warm compress to the affected ear.
• Take a warm shower to open up your sinuses and encourage drainage.

When it’s Time to See an Audiologist

The gentle ear allergy treatment recommendations outlined above can usually improve mild allergy-induced ear pressure, but what should you do if the problem persists? Our best advice is to schedule an appointment with hearing health specialists if you are ever unsure about your hearing. Some tell-tale signs it’s time to book an appointment include:

• Hearing feels muffled for several days
• Frequent ear pain or pressure
• Ringing in your ears
• Difficulty understanding conversations

Hearing issues shouldn’t be ignored, even when they seem temporary, so don't let spring allergies affect your hearing any longer. If you're experiencing muffled sounds, pressure, or discomfort, it may be time to see your audiologist. At Hearing Health Solutions, we have a team of ENT and Allergy professionals at all 6 of our locations to easily assist if any medical issues arise at your appointment. Schedule a hearing test near you today!