Allergies and hearing loss
Allergies and hearing loss: What's the connection?
During the warmer months you may suffer from seasonal allergies, bringing with them their familiar symptoms: a runny nose, a sore throat, and itchy eyes. However, did you know that allergies can also have an impact on your hearing?
Hearing loss related to allergies
Allergies can lead to conductive hearing loss, where the transmission of sound is hindered as it travels from the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. This blockage can occur when allergies cause itching or swelling in the outer ear and ear canal.
Additionally, allergies can cause the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, leading to a blocked Eustachian tube. This can result in a sensation of fullness in the ears and temporary hearing loss. Since fluid buildup can promote bacterial growth, it may also cause ear infections, further affecting your hearing.
While the inner ear is less likely to be affected by allergies, it can exhibit symptoms such as dizziness, pressure, and tinnitus if infected. Allergies may also trigger Meniere's disease, increasing the risk of hearing loss.
Sudden hearing loss
It's important not to confuse allergy-induced hearing loss with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), commonly known as sudden deafness. SSHL can occur without warning, either gradually over a few days or suddenly all at once. Factors such as head trauma, autoimmune diseases, infections, poor blood circulation, ototoxic drugs, or neurological diseases can contribute to SSHL. This condition often presents with a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear, tinnitus, or dizziness.
Although it may be tempting to attribute sudden changes in hearing to allergies, it's crucial not to dismiss them. If SSHL is the cause, the best chance of restoring hearing lies in starting treatment as soon as possible.
If you notice any sudden changes in your hearing, it's important to contact your GP or hearing care professional as soon as possible or if all else fails a trip to A&E (there should be an on call ENT doctor who can see you). They can assess your ears and determine if the hearing loss is due to an obstruction caused by swelling or fluid (related to allergies) or if it stems from a more serious issue that affects the ability of your ears to process sound.
When to seek help
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on your overall health and should never be taken lightly. Even if you believe it's merely a symptom of your seasonal allergies, delaying treatment can worsen its effects. While it may be challenging to differentiate between hearing loss caused by allergies and sudden hearing loss, a medical professional or audiologist can make the distinction and recommend the best course of treatment to protect your hearing.
