Allergies and Their Connection With Tinnitus

Almost everyone has experienced a moment of ringing in the ears — that low, humming sound that seems to come from nowhere and disappears mysteriously. Up to 20% of people live with phantom noises; for some, the noise is constant. Focusing on the connection between allergies and tinnitus can help some people, so take advantage of these tinnitus relief tips. 

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t life-threatening, but it can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. It is described as a constant or frequent buzzing, clicking, hissing, or roaring noise emanating from inside the ears. The noise can also be rhythmic pulsing that beats in time with the heartbeat. This condition is called pulsatile tinnitus. 

Most cases are classified as “subjective” tinnitus, which means only the person with the condition can hear the ringing. Ringing in the ears isn’t a severe health issue, but it can disrupt your life. Some people experience tinnitus that’s so loud it interferes with day-to-day activities. 

Tinnitus can also cause dizziness (vertigo). It can also lead to depression or anxiety. If tinnitus is affecting your quality of life, see a healthcare professional who specializes in tinnitus treatment. If other conditions, such as allergies, are causing tinnitus, a specialist can treat the cause and help with managing tinnitus symptoms. 

Common Tinnitus Triggers

There are several potential causes of tinnitus, including:

• Head or neck injuries
• Medications
• Ear infections
• Blockage of the ear canal
• Ear bone changes
• Allergies
• Head and ear congestion

Older adults, men, and people who’ve had long-term exposure to heavy noise have a higher risk of developing tinnitus. Living with certain chronic diseases like high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems may also increase your risk. 

Why Does Sinus Pressure and Ear Congestion Make Tinnitus Worse?

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. The bodies of people with allergies perceive these substances as dangerous. Their natural defense system produces antibodies to fight off the attack. The antibodies then cause a runny nose, nasal congestion, and other common allergy symptoms. 

Seasonal allergies and tinnitus often go hand-in-hand. When allergies cause dysfunction and congestion in the eustachian tube, it can lead to ear pain, reduced hearing, and tinnitus. In addition, chronic allergies can create severe inflammation in the eustachian tube. This inflammation may also contribute to tinnitus.

Medications for treating allergies may also contribute to the problem. One study found that tinnitus was a side effect of a certain type of immunotherapy. 

A study on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen, found that tinnitus can be a side-effect of NSAID use. These types of over-the-counter medications may be used to relieve inflammation associated with allergy symptoms. 

Sinus infections and sinus pressure are also linked to tinnitus. Both of these factors create an abnormal amount of pressure inside the ears, which can affect hearing quality and cause tinnitus. 

Allergies and Tinnitus: 7 Tips for Relief

If seasonal allergies are causing your tinnitus to flare up, there is hope. These tips will help you manage your allergies and find relief for tinnitus at the same time. 

1. Get a Proper Diagnosis

It’s always best to start with evidence-based information from a medical expert. Allergies could be related to an underlying medical issue. Treating that issue could then relieve your allergies and ease tinnitus symptoms. 

An allergist can advise you on the best way to manage allergies. A qualified audiologist can perform diagnostic testing to help find the best ways to manage tinnitus for you. 

2. Use Caution With Allergy Medications

Take allergy medications only as needed and as directed. If you feel the need to take over-the-counter medications for longer than seven to 14 days, consult with an allergist. Your physician may recommend safer, more effective ways to manage allergies. 

3. Be Pollen Wise

Avoiding pollen could help with seasonal allergies and tinnitus. Check the pollen forecast before venturing outdoors. If possible, stay inside on days when the wind is strong and pollen counts are high. Consider wearing a mask outside to help reduce your exposure to environmental allergens. 

4. Improve Your Indoor Environment

You can’t control the pollen count, but you can do a lot to control the air quality inside your home or office. To start, keep windows closed during pollen season. Use HEPA filters to remove pollen and other airborne allergens. 

If possible, swap carpets for hard-surface flooring. Wash drapes and curtains frequently or replace them with easy-to-clean blinds. Though it may be hard for pet lovers, keeping pets out of the bedroom can also reduce allergy-related tinnitus flares.  

5. Practice Good Self-Care

Simple things like eating a healthy diet and getting adequate amounts of sleep will help strengthen your immune system, making you better able to fight allergies naturally. Fewer medications and less sinus congestion could help relieve tinnitus. Staying hydrated can also help. Proper hydration can help relieve congestion. 

Before turning to over-the-counter medications, try opening up nasal passages with a warm, steamy shower or a neti pot. 

6. Reduce Stress

Reducing stress and anxiety may help improve tinnitus symptoms. Consider starting a meditation practice, and find indoor exercise activities you can do when pollen makes it difficult to be outdoors. 

7. Get Mental Health Treatment

If tinnitus is causing depression or anxiety disorders, don’t suffer in silence. Speak to a therapist about your condition. Online support services are a great option if you feel uncomfortable with the thought of therapy or if tinnitus makes it difficult to be in public spaces. 

Is It Time to Seek Professional Care?

Don’t suffer through your allergy-related hearing issues alone. Audiologists and other specialists at Happy Hears Hearing Center are ready to help you find relief today. If allergies and tinnitus are negatively impacting your life, call Happy Ears for a consultation. 

Tinnitus sufferers in the Gilbert, Surprise, and Peoria, AZ, areas are encouraged to call Happy Ears for professional help with tinnitus relief. We offer personalized care and effective solutions for all hearing problems.