Spring Allergies and Weather changes: Are Your Ears Ready? – Audiology Associates

While spring brings longer days and warmer weather, it also brings erratic temperature shifts and seasonal allergies that can affect your ears and hearing. 
While most people think of allergy symptoms as sneezing and sinus pressure, it is important to remember that the ears and sinuses are interconnected. Because of this, allergies can also cause stuffy or clogged ears.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, seasonal allergies affect between 10 and 30 percent of adults in the U.S. and as many as 40 percent of children, which means as many as 60 million people in the U.S. suffer from not only sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy ears, and sinus pressure, but ear pressure as well.
Unfortunately, allergies also cause swelling of the Eustachian tubes, meaning they don’t open as they should. This combination of swelling and increased mucus causes the Eustachian tubes to become clogged. Not only can this result in a feeling of fullness and pressure in the ears, but it can also lead to temporary hearing loss as well. 
Other ear-related issues can worsen in the spring as well. Those with Meniere’s disease, in particular, can suffer greatly during spring weather changes.   
Normally fluids in the inner ear circulate. However, problems occur when the overproduction of fluid that characterizes Meniere’s disease actually backs up under the increased pressure and causes the endolymphatic chambers to bulge. The result is discomfort, fullness and pressure along with the potential of other unpleasant symptoms.
If allergies are causing your clogged ears, over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants might help relieve your symptoms.
Spring also brings challenges for those with hearing aids. The rise in allergens and wet weather means paying closer attention to maintenance and upkeep of hearing devices. For example, increased allergens can clog microphone ports in hearing aids, so be sure to clean hearing aids regularly and replace covers of mic ports when necessary.
Along with allergens, spring is accompanied by heat, humidity, rain and extreme temperature changes. Moisture is the enemy of hearing aids, as it can build up in the tubing, damage the microphone and receiver and cause static. In addition, warm weather means more earwax build-up, which can clog the sound openings.
If you’re experiencing hearing problems or other ear-related issues, be sure to call Audiology Associates at 661-284-1900. Kevin Bolder, Au.D and John Davis, Au.D are two of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www.AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Ste 220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. We are hearing healthcare excellence!