Tinnitus is the presence of phantom sounds, such as ringing or buzzing, in one or both ears. It is commonly linked to hearing loss due to aging or exposure to loud sounds; approximately 10% of people in the U.S. have experienced tinnitus in the past year. For those with allergies, the presence of allergic symptoms may aggravate their tinnitus.
Allergies are the result of the immune system’s heightened response to substances in the environment like pollen or pet dander. The typical reactions include itching, sneezing, nasal congestion and swelling. These allergic reactions might amplify tinnitus symptoms due to the swelling they cause. This can result in the accumulation of fluids and increased pressure in the middle ear, which can negatively affect hearing.
Moreover, the inflammatory substances and cytokines that are released during an allergic reaction could interfere with the normal signal transmission in the auditory pathways, potentially giving rise to tinnitus.
Strategies to Manage Symptoms
If you’re dealing with both allergies and tinnitus, managing your allergies might also lessen your tinnitus symptoms.
You may find the following approaches beneficial:
- Identify your allergies and avoid them: Consult with a healthcare provider for an allergy test to identify your specific allergens and try to stay clear of them. For instance, walks through Lake Arbor Park during peak pollen season may not be the best idea if you have a pollen allergy.
- Allergy medications: Consider using over-the-counter or prescription medications for allergies to reduce inflammation and mitigate allergy symptoms.
- Stress management: Since stress and anxiety can intensify tinnitus, adopting stress-reduction techniques could help lessen the occurrence of tinnitus.
- Hearing protection: Avoid loud noises and monitor the volume on personal audio devices. Regularly check your hearing via hearing tests to ensure it remains healthy.
Should your tinnitus symptoms become intrusive or if they are accompanied by additional symptoms such as hearing loss, vertigo or pain in the ear, consult with a hearing specialist. They can perform a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint the root cause of your tinnitus and suggest suitable treatments.
For those who have tinnitus and are seeking relief, particularly if troubled by allergy symptoms, consider reaching out to Advantage ENT & Audiology to book a consultation and explore treatment options.