Hearing loss and hay fever

"My hay fever has been particularly bad this summer and I’m now experiencing dulled hearing. I’ve had my ears checked for wax blockage but the nurse said my ears are clear. Could there be a connection between the hearing loss and hay fever?"

People often contact the Deafness Research UK information service asking for advice about dulled hearing. Hay fever is one possible reason, being a form of nasal allergy causing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, which connect the ear to the throat. In turn this can lead to a build up of fluid in the middle ear and, when this occurs, temporary hearing loss is likely.

So what can be done to reduce the risk of hearing problems?

Keeping the hay fever under control is the best approach. Our medical adviser says that taking antihistamine tablets can reduce the likelihood of nasal passages getting congested, which in turn lessens the chance of ear symptoms. Even more effective, is to use an anti-inflammatory nasal spray such as Flixonase, Beconase or Nasonex at the same time. Both tablets and sprays can be prescribed by a GP or bought over the counter at a pharmacy.

It is important to remember that there are two different types of nasal spray. The one with anti-inflammatory properties is best for people with hay fever and needs to be used over longer periods to maintain its anti-inflammatory effects.

The other type of nasal spray, such as Vicks Sinex, is a decongestant. Whilst it can relieve a blocked nose temporarily, if used for more than 3-4 days it can increase inflammation so that symptoms such as a runny nose actually worsen.

An unusual but easy self-help method is to sniff the steam from a cup of tea twice a day and then blow the nose. Research has shown that the tannin in tea leaves acts as a good decongestant and may help resolve mucus congestion. Because there are different types of mucus this method may not be quite as effective for hay fever, but it is certainly worth trying for congestion caused by common colds or sinus problems.

If the treatments described above are not working after about two weeks, or if symptoms become really problematic, then it is advisable to visit your doctor who may suggest a different anti-histamine tablet or steroid injection.

Finally, it is important to be aware that if a hearing loss has occurred suddenly overnight or over a period of less than three days, then the cause is unlikely to be hay fever and we would recommend seeking an urgent referral from your GP to get an ENT (ear, nose and throat) assessment.