Colds, Allergies, and Your Hearing
With us being in the middle of cold season, and allergy season quickly approaching, it is the perfect time for a refresher on how these conditions can impact your hearing! Allergies and colds can temporarily hinder your hearing.
CONNECTION BETWEEN THE EARS AND NOSE
The Eustachian tubes connect the ears and nose/throat. When a person is healthy, the Eustachian tube helps the middle ear with ventilation, drainage, and pressure balance. But when a person is fighting a cold or allergies, congestion can spread to the Eustachian tube, causing blockage and disrupting the tube’s normal operations. So, someone with a cold can experience hearing loss or balance problems.
CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS
People experience this form of hearing loss when sounds are hindered from traveling through the outer and middle ear. Allergies and colds can lead to congestive swelling and fluid build-up. Such blockage can impact the conduction of sound through the hearing mechanism. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can treat these conditions. However, untreated conditions can lead to more serious problems.
MENIERE'S DISEASE
This inner ear disorder causes balance issues and hearing loss. Researchers continue to investigate the possible connection between Meniere's disease and allergies, and many believe allergies may worsen or cause the condition for some patients. Because of this connection, the control of allergies through medical intervention is an option some physicians use to alleviate Meniere's disease symptoms.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Persistent and frequent ear pain or hearing loss, persistent balance problems (including dizziness, vertigo, and lightheadedness), and ongoing ringing in the ears are all reasons to seek help. Hearing Health Associates' audiologists can discover conditions like those listed above and get you on the right track for treatment. Contact our office or your physician for more information.
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