Allergies: Itching, Sneezing…Hearing Loss!
At the turn of the season, whether leaves are falling, or flowers are budding, there are the individuals who are all too familiar with the allergies that are about to strike. You may struggle with itchy eyes, a runny nose, lots (LOTS) of sneezes, and even muffled hearing.
While there are many over-the-counter allergy medications available, what do you do when none of them seem to get your allergies under control? See an allergist, of course!
Allergists are a subset of otolaryngology. These are specialists who develop management strategies for individuals suffering from various allergies. At ENT & Allergy associates, an allergist can put you on the course to managing your seasonal allergies in a way you never have before!
So…Why Do People Even Have Allergic Reactions?
When allergens like pollen enter your body, your immune system is quick to defend you. We produce antibodies, which release histamine. Histamine is exactly what causes your allergic response and all the itching, sneezing, and mucus that follows. An increased production of mucus causes us to feel congested, and sometimes can even affect our ability to hear.
Allergic reactions that cause a build-up of mucus can result in inflammation and irritation of the eustachian tubes, which are little tubes on each side of the face that runs from our nose to our ears and throat. When these tubes cannot function properly (also known as eustachian tube dysfunction), you may notice that your hearing feels muffled, that there is pressure or fluid built up in your ears, or that your ears pop all too frequently.
Can You Really Have Hearing Loss From Allergies?
You absolutely can! The type of hearing difficulty that occurs is known as a “Conductive Hearing Loss.” A conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a blockage (like the fluid or pressure build up) in the middle ear. Sound cannot properly move through the eardrum and little bones behind the ear drum. The ears do not receive information properly,
The discomfort from symptoms of seasonal allergies, including muffled hearing, can be effectively managed and monitored with the help of your Ear, Nose and Throat allergist.
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