For many people, allergy season is more than sniffles, watery eyes, and itching — they also can't hear. Seasonal allergies significantly affect many people's communication ability, especially if they have hearing loss.
On my worst allergy days, I feel like I am walking in a fog. Sounds are muffled, and my ears are popping more than usual as they work to clear the increased pressure. —Shari Eberts in Psychology Today
One type of allergic reaction is fluid build-up in your middle ear. This creates the sensation of pressure, and the fluid accumulation in your middle ear blocks sound waves from reaching your eardrum. When you lose hearing this way, you're experiencing conductive hearing loss. Head colds can reduce your hearing in the same way.
Seasonal Solutions
You can minimize hearing loss from seasonal allergies with medication and treatment. Try the following:
1. Take medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what over-the-counter products will work best for your symptoms and allergies. For example:
- Decongestants can shrink inflamed nasal passages and help dry excess fluid.
- Nasal saline sprays can also help with this.
2. Get ready for allergy season. Try taking your allergy medications a week or two before you typically encounter symptoms (mark this on your calendar).
► Take action with this infographic about seasonal allergies
3. Take medications consistently. As the mix and counts of tree, grass, and weed pollens and mold vary, a regular medication schedule will provide the most reliable relief.
4. Remove pollen from your skin and clothing. To prevent allergens from entering your nasal passages or mouth, wash your hands and face after being outside. Clothing is a magnet for pollen, so changing your shirt is a smart thing to do.
5. Anticipate the worst pollen-count days. Avoid being outside on high pollen days. It’s easy to check pollen and mold counts at weather.com or wunderground.com. Regularly check so you know the local trends.
If you think your hearing has diminished more than you’d expect from allergies, consult an audiologist.
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