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Sniffling, Sneezing, and … Ringing? Here’ s What to Know About Tinnitus and Allergies
BY SUZANNE YODER, AU. D., OWNER / AUDIOLOGIST, HEARWELL CENTER
Sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes are already enough to deal with during allergy season. Add in tinnitus— unwanted ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears or head— and the combined conditions can compound stress, discomfort and frustration.
While allergies may not directly cause tinnitus, the inflammation and congestion they trigger can affect the ears and sometimes make tinnitus symptoms more noticeable. Learn more about tinnitus and allergy connections, and strategies to help improve your ear health and overall health.
What Tinnitus Is
Tinnitus, which affects more than 11 % of U. S. adults( per a report in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas), is the perception of sound in the ears or head usually without an external source. Often described as ringing, the sounds can be constant or intermittent and may vary in volume.
Rather than a disease, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition— such as an ear infection, head injury, loud noise exposure, or hearing loss. In fact, an estimated 90 % of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss, per the American Tinnitus Association.
How Allergies Affect the Ears
Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system reacts to pollen, mold or other allergens by releasing histamine. This chemical response can lead to inflammation and excess mucus production throughout the nose, throat and ears— not just the sinuses.
The inflammation can affect the eustachian tube, a small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. The tube helps drain fluid and equalize pressure. When it becomes swollen or blocked, ear pressure and muffled hearing can occur.
Why Tinnitus May Flare Up
When fluid builds up in the middle ear or pressure in the ear can’ t be properly regulated, sound doesn’ t travel efficiently to the inner ear. This type of temporary hearing disruption is called conductive hearing loss, and can make tinnitus more noticeable.
When external sounds seem softer or distorted, the brain may focus more on internal noise. As a result, people with preexisting tinnitus may notice increased ringing or buzzing or other bothersome sounds during allergy flare-ups.
Managing Allergies to Reduce Tinnitus Impact
Managing allergy symptoms can reduce their effect on the ears. Overthe-counter antihistamines may help by decreasing inflammation and improving eustachian tube function. However, not all medications are appropriate for everyone, making it important to first check with your physician.
Some pain relievers, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs( NSAIDs), can worsen tinnitus at certain doses. If allergy symptoms persist or include ear pain, pressure or hearing changes, consult an audiologist.
Thriving During Allergy Season
Tinnitus flare-ups can be frustrating, but they’ re often temporary. Identifying allergy triggers, following medical guidance, and supporting ear health can help you enjoy changing seasons without letting allergies amplify tinnitus symptoms.
If seasonal allergies seem to worsen your tinnitus, speak with your audiologist. A specialist can help assess how allergies may affect your ears or hearing, and work with your physician or allergist to create a personalized plan to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
About HearWell Center- HearWell Center is a full-service independent hearing care business, proudly helping the Pittsburgh community since 2007. The audiologists and professional staff have helped thousands of patients improve their quality of life through hearing and tinnitus care. HearWell offers state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and expert fitting of hearing technology with a patient-centered approach that helps ensure that your hearing health needs are met for life. Learn more at hearwellcenter. com or call 412.208.4473 for an appointment at the location in Penn Center East.
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