Allergy season is almost upon us, which makes this the perfect time to explore the connections between allergies and hearing loss. 

Seasonal allergies can wreak havoc on the delicate systems that make up our senses of taste, smell, and hearing. Let’s take a look at what causes allergies, how they can impact our sense of hearing, and what steps we can take to mitigate those impacts. 

What are allergies? 

Allergic reactions are essentially your immune system activating (when it doesn’t necessarily need to) in response to irritating substances we call allergens. 

You can have an allergic reaction to something you touch, such as latex, plants, or household cleaners, or to something you ingest, like peanuts, shellfish, or even some medicines. 

However, the most common allergies — indeed, what most people mean when they say they “have allergies” — are related to airborne allergens like dust, dander, and pollen. These types of allergies are also called allergic rhinitis or “hay fever,” and tend to flare up at different times of year based on when different types of plants release higher levels of pollen.  

The timing and severity of different types of pollen can vary greatly depending on your geographic location. However, broadly speaking, in North America, pollen levels follow these trends: 

• Tree pollen allergies peak in April and May 
• Grass pollen allergies peak between May and June 
• Ragweed pollen allergies peak between August and October 

Do allergies cause hearing loss? 

While the most common allergy symptoms are sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose, they can also have a noticeable impact on hearing. That’s because our ears, noses, and throats are all closely interconnected. 

The stuffiness and runny nose many people with allergies experience are caused by inflammation and congestion within the nasal passages. What many people may not realize is that your nasal passages also connect to your inner ears by tubes called Eustachian tubes. 

The inflammation from allergies can lead to blockage of the Eustachian tubes, which can muffle your hearing and cause a feeling of pressure on your eardrums, ringing in your ears, or even temporary hearing loss. This inflammation can also exacerbate existing hearing loss. 

How to treat hearing loss due to allergies 

Trouble hearing during allergy season can be a major inconvenience and make it more difficult to communicate. Fortunately, allergy-related hearing loss is usually manageable by dealing with the other symptoms — specifically congestion. 

One effective measure is to minimize your exposure to allergens. Keep an eye on weather alerts for high-allergen days so you know when you might want to limit outdoor activities. Over the counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can also help reduce symptoms. 

It’s also a good idea to maintain ear-healthy habits throughout the year. Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise, keep your ears clean and free of moisture, and visit your doctor if you experience hearing loss or ear pain.