Last week’s blog discussed the impact allergy season can have on hearing and hearing aids, including pollen buildup on hearing devices that could cause tech troubles, and helpful steps to protect your ability to hear clearly. But did you know that allergies can also have an effect on balance?
Hearing and balance are connected, with the auditory and vestibular systems sharing a common organ – the inner ear. The vestibular system is complex but essentially includes the inner ear balance organs that help regulate balance and spatial orientation. People with progressive hearing loss experience significantly higher rates of falls, which can result in injuries to the brain or broken hips, legs, arms, and other bones. Individuals with a mild hearing loss are three times more likely to fall compared to individuals with normal hearing.
But balance, dizziness, and vertigo may not be solely related to the inner ear, the Eustachian tubes have a role to play as well. Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the and throat and are responsible for draining middle ear fluid, equalizing pressure, and protecting the middle ear.1 It sounds complicated, but you are probably more familiar with the Eustachian tube than you think. For example, when flying in an airplane, many of us experience the plugged ear sensation that can be relieved by yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum. This pressure release is the Eustachian tube opening up and evening out the pressure.
During allergy season, our Eustachian tubes may become swollen or blocked, which can impact the drainage of fluid or evening of pressure. When our ears are “plugged” it can lead to dizziness or vertigo. There are steps that can provide relief, which may include treatment of allergies and allergy symptoms and staying inside during peak pollen hours. Check in with a healthcare provider for recommendations as to the best course of treatment and to rule out any other medical conditions.
This allergy season, take steps to ensure you’re steady on your feet when enjoying the beautiful weather and the great outdoors!
If you have prolonged pain or difficulty hearing, hearing loss on one side, bleeding, pus, or are newly experiencing tinnitus (ringing/buzzing/whooshing in the ear), visit a hearing care professional right away.
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