Allergies and Hearing Loss

Hearing loss has several causes. An allergic reaction can be one of the reasons for hearing loss. This allergic reaction can be caused by various aspects, such as certain care products or pets. People with allergies are more likely to have a middle ear infection and hearing loss, but why? Are they connected? Let’s learn more. The first things to know are:

During an allergic reaction, you usually experience a common cold, burning eyes and ear problems. During an allergic reaction, the following symptoms may occur in your ears:

• Itching
• Swelling
• One or more ears flowing
• Balance problems
• Problems in the ear

An allergic reaction leads to an overproduction of mucus. This mucus can lead to hearing loss due to poor conduction. This type of hearing loss is usually not permanent: mucus, moisture or earwax causes obstruction in the middle ear. An allergy can also cause a problem on the outside or inside of the ear. Skin reactions can cause swelling of the outer ear and ear canal, but also itching.

This can happen, for example, in case of an allergic reaction to a certain washing powder, earrings or pets. An allergic reaction can also lead to a problem in the inner ear, as for example in the case of Meniere’s disease. An allergic reaction can result in hearing loss, but this hearing loss is usually only temporary. If after cleaning your ears, hearing loss persists, make a hearing appointment for a hearing test.

Are They Connected?

Certain allergies are connected with hearing loss and that does depend on the types of allergies. When we have a blocked nose or a cold, our eardrums are pulled back, which feels as if we are hearing underwater. When the illness relieves itself, your hearing returns to normal. However, for people with chronic allergies, they may need to book a hearing test to see if a hearing aid could assist.

Symptoms such as itching of the eyes and nasal discharge are typical, but your allergies can also explain the decrease in your sense of hearing. Your immune system responds to allergens by producing antibodies that release histamine. That is why we take antihistamines to stop the symptoms of hay fever. Sneezing, itching and congestion in the nose and sinuses also increase the production of mucus. This can cause a type of hearing loss called transmission hearing loss. Transmission hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot flow properly in the ear. Excess fluid or earwax can also interfere with the sound as it moves towards the cochlea.

Sinus-Related Allergies Can Also Cause Issues

Problems such as cold-related, clogged paranasal sinuses and frontal sinuses can cause allergies or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. This can lead to temporary hearing loss. As a result, the eustachian tube, which is responsible for the pressure equalization in the ear, swells. Those affected should consult the doctor and have an allergy test done to avoid further problems with their hearing.

Types of symptoms that may be associated with hearing loss due to allergies:

• Itching in the ear: If an itch occurs in the ears, this can be extremely unpleasant for those affected. The cause is often a boil in the ear, but bacteria, fungi or allergies can also cause itching. Important: with itching in the ear, the temptation to scratch with cotton swabs or other objects in the ear canal is very great. However, this should be avoided at all costs, as scratching only aggravates the symptoms and the skin can be injured in the process.
• Ear discharge: If fluid or secretions leak from the ear, this is always an indication of an ear disease. Possible causes are mainly inflammation in the middle ear or ear canal, but also ear fumble or an ear tumor come into question.

It’s Good to Be Aware

Allergies can also cause ear blockage. Taking antihistamines and decongestant nasal drops can relieve ear pressure and other symptoms caused by allergies. Antihistamines are offered in various forms. Tablets, capsules and liquids are some of the most popular. However, if you do believe that your allergies are affecting your ears, then it is best to be aware and book a hearing test.

For more information on allergies and how you can book a hearing test, please look at Hearing Aid Consultants of North Mississippi and call us today at (662) 234-1337.