Spring is here! The weather is changing, and we are starting to enjoy the sunshine and blooming flowers. But spring also includes erratic weather and temperatures and, of course, seasonal allergies. These unpredictable conditions can affect our ears and hearing aids.
Why do our ears suffer in the spring?
Due to the changing weather, some people experience a feeling of fullness in their ears. Atmospheric pressure changes with shifts in the weather and causes a feeling of fullness, and makes the fluid in the inner ear sensitive to the weather. Seasonal allergy sufferers can experience this even more.
Those with Meniere’s disease generally notice more irritating symptoms in the Springtime. The compartments of the inner ear can bulge and cause fluid retention in the ear. Difficulty hearing, discomfort, tinnitus, and vertigo can all result from this build-up.
Spring Allergies and ear problems
Stuffy ears and seasonal allergies often go hand in hand. As the trees and flowers bloom, it leads to increased pollen distribution. Our immune systems react to pollen by releasing a substance called – histamine
Histamine – triggers your sinuses to create more mucus. The histamine release can irritate the mucous membranes that line your ears and nasal canal, creating inflammation. The inflammation can lead to a blockage within the ears, restricting fluid or mucus from draining and causing excess pressure and pain inside the inner ear.
Ear pressure can be temporarily relieved with over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines and decongestants. A sensible diet and exercise regimen can often improve these symptoms.
The most common spring allergies include:
- Itchy
- Watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Otitis
- Hearing loss
Spring Hearing aid cleaning
On the outside, custom earplugs may seem like a more expensive solution. However, breaking down the math will make you realize it is not always true.
We hope that you are regularly cleaning your hearing aids. However, if it’s been a while since you have cleaned them or brought them in to be cleaned, spring is the perfect time to do so.
It’s crucial this time of year to avoid wearing your hearing devices for a prolonged period if you experience stuffy ears, as it can worsen any blockages you’re experiencing.
You will also want to check your hearing aids for excess earwax. Consider cleaning your devices more regularly during allergy season. Aside from at-home cleaning, Salem Audiology can help clean and check your devices to ensure they work in tip-top order.
Aside from the changing weather, the sounds of spring can bring back so many great memories and emotions. Birds are back, and Cool breezes are blowing through wind chimes. Parks and playgrounds are loaded with people and laughter. Suppose these beautiful sounds aren’t as clear or meaningful as they once were. In that case, a hearing test and consultation with an experienced hearing professional are in order. Let them help you reconnect and enjoy your favorite sounds again.
Whether it’s cleaning your ears, adjusting your current hearing aids, upgrading to a new set, or just starting to treat your hearing loss, Salem Audiology Clinic can help provide better hearing about reliving the memories of spring.