It’s that time of year… springtime. Beautiful, breezy “wanna be outside” weather. Along with all this beauty comes blooming flowers and LOTS of POLLEN!! It is the return of seasonal allergies, often referred to as allergic rhinitis and often triggered by airborne pollen from trees, grasses and various weeds. Most people associate allergies with itchy eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion however; many people are very aware that they have a noticeable impact on their hearing.
The reason that your hearing may be affected when your allergies are raging is because of the delicate balance between the middle ear and upper respiratory system.
Your middle ear (when looking in the ear canal… this is the part on the other side of the eardrum)….is connected to the back of your nose and throat by a narrow passage called the Eustachian Tube. The purpose of the tube is to drain fluid that accumulates naturally and thus, equalize the pressure of the middle ear. When you are suffering from allergies the body excretes more mucus and along with inflammation the tube gets blocked and can not drain properly.
If the Eustachian Tube gets blocked or congested you may feel pressure of fullness in the ears. Sounds may seem muffled, your own voice might sound like it is vibrating inside your head and some individuals may also experience a temporary hearing loss. When this happens it is known as a conductive hearing loss. This is because sound is not “conducted” through the middle ear properly. If you experience the loss it is usually mild and temporary…but it is still quite frustrating.
If the allergies are so severe that they cause fluid to build up and get stuck behind the middle ear then a condition called otitis media with effusion develops. When this happens then sound will be further dampened and balance and dizziness issues may also be present.
Allergy related ear symptoms interfere with your daily communication. You may find it harder to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. This leads to increase listening effort, fatigue and even social withdrawal in severe cases.
To help combat and minimize springtime allergies there are over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays and decongestants. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist to know which are safe for you to take. These products help to reduce inflammation and improve the function of the Eustachian Tube. Sometimes the best solution is stay indoor as much as possible and use air purifies until the worst of it is over.
If your muffled hearing persists, ear pain develops, or hearing becomes worse it is important to consult a health care professional. If the trapped fluid does not eventually clear out then you may need a round of antibiotics or steroids to help you kick it!
Hopefully, this helps you understand the link between all our pollen in Highlands County and your hearing. If you have problems or questions give us a call…we would be glad to help! 385-3497. To Hear Better Is To Live Better!!
By: Roseann B. Kiefer, B.A., BC-HIS