Springtime means warm weather, budding flowers and unfortunately… allergies. You’re probably familiar with the itching, sneezing and congestion that comes with spring, but did you know that these allergic reactions can actually affect your hearing?
Most forms of allergy-related hearing loss result from congestion. When the eustachian tubes become clogged by mucus or swelling of the nasal cavity, this produces a feeling of fullness in the ear causing speech to sound distant or muffled. Once the congestion is cleared though, the tubes usually clear as well and hearing returns to normal.
The problem starts when the eustachian tubes don’t clear. Infection and too much pressure can cause the eardrum to rupture, which can cause significant hearing damage.
If you experience any of the following symptoms this spring, call our office immediately or see a hearing care specialist close to you:
- Sudden change in hearing
- Voices sounding muffled or muddied
- Feeling of needing to “pop” your ears
- Dizziness
- Nagging pain in the ear
- Fluid discharge from the ear
Although rare, allergies can lead to hearing loss if signs and symptoms of congestion and infection are ongoing and ignored.