Understanding the Impact of Fall Allergies on Hearing Loss

Seasonal allergies affect more than 100 million people in the US and can lead to symptoms that include red or irritated eyes, a runny nose, congestion and more. High levels of ragweed pollen in late summer and fall make this a prime time for allergy symptoms, but did you know that hearing loss may also be among them?

While many people believe that allergy symptoms occur only in the nasal passage, congestion and increased mucus production can also lead to temporary conductive hearing loss, as well as symptoms including dizziness, itchiness and a ‘full feeling’ in the ears.

In this article, we consider why fall allergies might exacerbate issues of hearing loss, and how an audiologist can help this fall and beyond.

The Science Behind Allergies and Hearing Loss

Allergies happen when the body overreacts to substances that it perceives as a threat, which can include pollen, dust, animal fur and more. During summer and fall, high levels of pollen mean that the body releases histamines into the bloodstream in what’s supposed to be a defense. This is what leads to issues including swelling, itchiness and excessive mucus production.

When these reactions happen in the inner or outer ear canal, it can lead to temporary conductive hearing loss when sound transmission is blocked. This is most common in the outer ear canal, and symptoms will typically ease when a reaction is over.

However, individuals who experience a ‘fullness’ in their ears during allergy season may be experiencing a buildup of mucus that’s clogging the Eustachian tube and leaving them at risk of infection. In rare cases, inner-ear allergies that often lead to symptoms including dizziness and tinnitus can also trigger Meniere’s disease, which increases the risk of hearing loss even outside of allergy season.

How to Care for Your Hearing Through Allergy Season

While most allergy-related hearing loss is temporary, the risk of lasting damage makes it essential to take proper care of your hearing health through fall. The best ways to do this include:

Avoid Allergens Where Possible

The less exposure you experience to fall allergens, the less risk they pose to your hearing health. Avoid direct exposure to pollen or other fall allergens as much as you can, and be sure to rest if you are experiencing a severe reaction.

Speak to an Audiologist

While allergy-related hearing loss is typically temporary, it does leave you at risk of infections that could lead to lasting damage. To avoid this, book an appointment with an audiologist if persistent issues including tinnitus, feelings of fullness or dizziness and itching arise. They’ll be able to conduct testing to make sure that there’s no underlying infection or other issue that requires treatment.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean

Allergy season poses a unique challenge for individuals who rely on hearing aids. Ensuring the cleanliness of your devices becomes essential during this time, as allergens have a propensity to infiltrate and clog microphone ports. Not only can this lead to discomfort and irritation in the ears, but it also directly hampers the effectiveness of your hearing aids. The reduced functionality not only makes it more difficult to discern sounds clearly, but it can potentially mask subtle changes in your hearing, which may be indicative of a more serious issue.

While this concern is typically less prevalent with well-fitted, molded hearing aids, it’s important to consult with an audiologist if you find yourself grappling with this issue throughout the fall season. Their expertise can guide you towards the most suitable solutions and ensure your hearing aids remain a reliable source of support even in the face of seasonal challenges.

When to Seek Help for Fall Hearing Loss?

Any change to your hearing health should be overseen by a professional, even if you think seasonal allergies are to blame. As well as seasonal allergies themselves leaving you open to escalating risks, an assumption of allergy-related hearing loss could mask a more lasting condition like sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). Characterized by a sudden loss of hearing either at once, or over a few days, SSHL has many of the same symptoms as allergy-related hearing loss, including dizziness, pressure and tinnitus.

Immediate treatment is essential for saving as much of your hearing as possible in cases of SSHL, as well as in instances of allergy-related infections. An audiologist can also advise you on the best ways to relieve any symptoms, and the best practices for keeping your hearing aids clean during even high-pollen periods.

If you’ve experienced any sudden changes in your hearing this fall, then you certainly shouldn’t hesitate to contact our trusted audiologists at Little Rock Audiology Clinic. Get in touch to book an appointment with our friendly team today at (501) 664-5511.