Allergies and Hearing Loss

Feelings of a stuffy nose combined with sneezing can raise a problem for those with hearing loss. On the worst days of your allergy season, you may feel as though you are roaming through fog. Sounds may seem muffled and your ears may be popping more frequently in order to clear out the additional pressure. 

When your head moves, you might experience the feeling of fluid moving in your ears. This may induce dizziness or vertigo. Symptoms of tinnitus may occur more regularly. Generally, allergies are irritating. If you have hearing loss, they can affect how you communicate.
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Why is your hearing affected by seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies may create fluid that builds up in your middle ear. As a result, you might feel pressure and sounds may be obstructed from traveling to your eardrum. This makes it more difficult for you to hear. This is known as conductive hearing loss. It is the result of “conducting” the sound from its source to where it is heard. This can almost be compared to what those with hearing loss experience when they have a head cold.  

It’s important to note that hearing loss that is caused by seasonal allergies is typically short-lived. Getting the right medication and treatment can diminish its impact. 

How to take care of your allergies

1. Get a prescription. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist and ask if any medications will help relieve your symptoms and allergies. There are decongestants that can help reduce inflammation in your nose and can dry out the excess fluid. Using a nasal saline spray can also be used as treatment. 
2. Prepare ahead of time. If these are recurring allergies, you can probably predict around what time of year your symptoms will start to appear. Start taking your allergy medication a week or two before you usually experience the symptoms in order to prevent symptom onset. You may begin with a smaller than usually dosage and once you feel the symptoms begin, take your full dosage.
3. Medication consistency. Take your medication each day throughout your allergy season. The levels of pollen in the air may fluctuate, but a regular intake will help to maintain a healthy feeling when there are unavoidable surges down the road. 
4. Be persistent. There’s another reason to frequently wash your hands, especially if you have been outside. Washing your hands will get rid of allergens that come in contact with your skin, where they can be transmitted through your nasal passages or mouth. During peak season, it is advised that you change out of your clothes and clean them if you spent a great deal of time outdoors. This will clear off any pollen that was accumulated on the clothes. 
5. Be smart. Try to stay indoors whenever there is a high pollen count. There are pollen forecasts available online through The Weather Channel.
6. Be candid. Tell others who you interact with that due to your allergies, you cannot hear very well.    

If you notice that you are still experiencing hearing loss, after your allergy season is over, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation.  
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Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require repairs, re-fittings and new hearing aid fittings. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.

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