How Spring Allergies Affect Your Ears

Spring is a welcome change after months of cold weather, but for allergy sufferers, it’s also the season of congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. While these are the usual complaints, many people don’t realize allergies can also affect their ears—causing discomfort, clogged sensations, and even temporary hearing loss.

This can make communication even more challenging for those who already experience hearing loss. Understanding how allergies impact your ears can help you find relief and prevent bigger issues.

How Allergies Impact Your Ears

When your body reacts to allergens like pollen, it produces histamines, leading to inflammation, excess mucus, and sinus pressure. Since your ears, nose, and throat are all connected, this reaction can cause several ear-related problems:
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tubes help regulate ear pressure and drain fluid. When swollen from allergies, they can’t function properly, leading to fullness or a clogged sensation in the ears.

• Fluid Buildup: When the tubes aren’t draining properly, fluid can get trapped behind the eardrum, causing muffled hearing and discomfort.
• Ear Infections: Fluid buildup can create an ideal environment for growing bacteria, increasing the risk of an ear infection.

These symptoms can affect anyone, but even a slight change in ear function can make everyday listening more difficult for individuals with hearing loss.

Extra Challenges for People with Hearing Loss

If you wear hearing aids, allergy season can introduce a few extra frustrations:

• Increased Muffled Sound: Extra moisture and congestion can make voices sound even more distant or unclear.
• Hearing Aid Performance Issues: More mucus in your sinuses can lead to additional moisture in the ears, which may interfere with your hearing aids.

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While allergies may be unavoidable, there are ways to minimize their impact on your ears and hearing:
1. Reduce Exposure to Allergens

• • Check the daily pollen count before going outside.
  • Keep windows closed during peak allergy season.

Change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors to remove pollen.

2. Relieve Congestion

• Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can help reduce swelling in the sinuses and ears.
• Saline nasal sprays or rinses can flush out allergens.
• Steam therapy—such as a hot shower—can help loosen mucus.

3. Take Care of Your Hearing Aids

• Wipe down your hearing aids daily to remove moisture and allergens.
• Store them in a dry, cool place and consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier.
• If sounds become muffled, check for debris in the microphone or receiver.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus, making it easier for your body to clear congestion naturally.

When to See a Doctor

If allergy-related ear symptoms don’t improve within a few days or get worse, it may be time to seek medical attention. You should see a doctor if you experience:

• • Persistent hearing loss or ear fullness
  • Ear pain or pressure that worsens
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Fluid or discharge from the ear

An audiologist can determine whether your symptoms are allergy-related or if there’s another underlying issue affecting your hearing.

Final Thoughts

Spring allergies don’t just affect your nose—they can also impact your ears, making it harder to hear and communicate. Taking steps to reduce allergen exposure and manage congestion can make a big difference, especially if you wear hearing aids.
If your ears feel clogged or your hearing seems off this season, don’t ignore it. Salem Audiology Clinic is here to help you find relief and ensure your hearing stays at its best.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment at (971) 701-6322 to schedule your hearing evaluation and take control of your hearing health.