Unfortunately, fall allergies can impact hearing health. Sneezing, congestion, and even blowing your nose can negatively affect hearing. Your ears can become clogged, and sounds can be muffled. However, these symptoms can be managed by using preventive measures to control your allergies.

Understanding Autumn Allergies

Autumn allergies are primarily triggered by ragweed, which is present from August through October. Individuals with spring allergies are more likely to suffer symptoms even if ragweed doesn't grow where they live. This is because pollen can travel far with the wind.

Mold can also trigger fall allergies. You can feel affected outdoors in humid or rainy weather or even at home. Damp areas like the bathroom can cause allergic symptoms as mold spores spread in the air.

Dust is another common autumn allergy trigger. It's one of the biggest causes of indoor allergies and can plague you all year long if you don't regularly vacuum and dust.

Your allergy symptoms can affect your hearing health. This is because there's a relationship between the ears, nose and throat. Tinnitus can be an issue as you suffer from fall allergies. You might experience it due to fluid buildup and pressure in the inner ear. If you already have tinnitus, it can worsen at the onset of your autumn allergies.

You can also experience temporary hearing loss from allergy-related congestion. This happens when the Eustachian tube is disrupted. Although this type of hearing loss is temporary, it can cause distress and affect your ability to perform daily activities.

Fall allergies can also affect your hearing if you use hearing aids. If your symptoms cause ear congestion, it can lead to wax buildup. This has a potential twofold effect of accumulating on your hearing aids and getting into your ear canal. Your hearing devices may not work well, resulting in muffled sounds.

Sinusitis often develops from viruses or bacteria, but allergies can also cause it when congestion is persistent. If mucus buildup can't clear, it causes head stuffiness and can affect the ears, which can cause hearing issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergy-Related Hearing Problems

One of the most common allergy-related hearing issues is conductive hearing loss. It occurs because of a sudden or prolonged wax buildup. Fortunately, it's treatable, allowing you to hear normally afterward.

Your ears may feel stuffy, and your hearing may be muffled. Allergic congestion can affect your hearing because of the relationship between the nose and ears. Your sinus cavities travel from the nose through the head to the ears.

Hearing aids can malfunction while you suffer from autumn allergies. They can get clogged with wax, affecting how they work, but proper maintenance can help. Keeping them clean and changing the filters can help you hear better.

Tips for Managing Autumn Allergies

You can take steps to manage your autumn allergies so you can feel your best. Take allergy medication daily. While indoors, keep windows closed and use air conditioning. Use a dehumidifier to combat mold, and regularly vacuum and dust.

If your allergies are bad, eliminate or at least cut down on dairy, consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit your caffeine intake to keep tinnitus at bay.

Hearing Health Care During Allergy Season

See an allergist during peak allergy season to minimize your symptoms. Regular shots can build up your immunity and bring relief. You can also seek professional help to learn how to manage hearing issues caused by allergies.

These tips can keep your autumn allergies under control and benefit your hearing health. You'll feel better and hear better.

If you're interested in hearing aids or other hearing-related assistance or devices, contact Beltone Dallas-Fort Worth for more information.