{"id":2219,"date":"2019-08-09T17:33:25","date_gmt":"2019-08-09T17:33:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/albanyentandallergy.fm1.dev\/?p=1424"},"modified":"2022-05-04T17:47:12","modified_gmt":"2022-05-04T21:47:12","slug":"how-allergies-affect-your-hearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/albanyentandallergy.com\/how-allergies-affect-your-hearing\/","title":{"rendered":"How Allergies Affect Your Hearing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Allergies are common year-round in Albany; about 20 percent of the population struggles with them.<\/p>\n

Most people are aware of symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes; nasal congestion; runny nose; sneezing; cough and sore throat.<\/p>\n

Did you know that another side effect of allergies is hearing loss?<\/p>\n

Allergies & Ears<\/h2>\n

Allergies<\/a> are the body\u2019s response to a perceived threat.<\/p>\n

The immune system produces histamines, chemicals that are released into the bloodstream as a defense mechanism.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, these can cause symptoms of their own \u2013 namely inflammation, itchiness and excess mucus production.<\/p>\n

Allergy symptoms<\/h2>\n

\"dog\"<\/p>\n

To understand how allergies affect your hearing<\/a>, let\u2019s start with the basics.<\/p>\n

Allergies are an exaggerated immune system response to a substance your body perceives as a threat. Chemicals known as histamines are released into the bloodstream as a defense mechanism; these can cause swelling, inflammation, itchiness, and excess mucus production.<\/p>\n

The most common allergens<\/a> are pollen, pet dander, environmental irritants, mold, dust mites, chemicals, medications and foods.<\/p>\n

Symptoms aren\u2019t confined to the nasal passages, as some people believe.<\/p>\n

Allergies also affect the outer, middle and inner ear, producing symptoms such as itchiness, pressure or fullness in the ear, infections, dizziness, ringing in the ears and hearing loss.<\/p>\n

The outer ear is most prone to allergies that occur when skin comes into contact with pollen, insect bites or metals such as nickel.<\/p>\n

Inflammation of the ear canal can prevent sound from entering the ears, causing temporary hearing loss.<\/p>\n

In the middle ear<\/a>, the Eustachian tubes \u2013 organs that are responsible for equalizing pressure in the ears \u2013 can become swollen when excess mucus caused by allergies builds up.<\/p>\n

This results in a plugged-up sensation in the ears and may lead to infection. If left untreated, a middle ear infection could cause permanet hearing impairment.<\/p>\n

In the inner ear, Meniere\u2019s disease and other disorders can flare up in response to allergies, making symptoms more pronounced.<\/p>\n

Treating Allergies Brings Relief<\/h2>\n

Avoiding allergen triggers is the only foolproof way to eliminate allergic reactions, but this isn\u2019t very realistic.<\/p>\n

Your Albany ear, nose and throat specialist suggests home remedies such as over-the-counter medications to relieve pain; Tylenol, Advil and Motrin work best. You can supplement this with eardrops if necessary.<\/p>\n

A warm compress placed over the ear can also help. Get plenty of rest to enable your body to fight off the infection.<\/p>\n

If your symptoms persist or come back repeatedly, you might be a candidate for immunotherapy (allergy shots or oral drops).<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re experiencing hearing problems associated with allergies, make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat or allergy specialist<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Solutions are available to ease your discomfort and restore your ability to hear.<\/p>\n

\n

Related Ear, Nose & Throat Posts:<\/h3>\n