Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for many Americans, it’s also pollen season which means sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes...and potential trouble for your ears and hearing aids too!
If you experience an allergic reaction to pollen - or use hearing aids - it’s important to take some extra precautions when you start to notice the familiar yellow dust settle on your car, outdoor furniture, or on standing water. Let’s walk through why pollen can cause a problem for hearing, and what simple steps you can take to keep your hearing and hearing aids in top shape.
Why Does Pollen Affect Your Ears?
When your body reacts to pollen, your immune system kicks into high gear, causing swelling and increased fluid in your sinuses and Eustachian tubes (the small canals that connect your middle ear to your throat). This can lead to:
On top of that, hearing aids are tiny pieces of tech that sit close to your skin and hair — both of which can trap pollen, moisture, and oils. If pollen builds up, it can clog microphones, damage delicate parts, and even trigger skin irritation around your ears.
Easy Ways to Protect Your Hearing and Hearing Aids
1. Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
Read your hearing aid manual to understand the best method for cleaning your devices. Often, it is recommended to use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe your hearing aids every night before bed. Special hearing aid cleaning wipes can also come in handy — they’re designed to remove dirt, oils, and allergens without damaging your devices. If you have any questions, it’s best to discuss the safest and most effective way to clean your devices with your hearing care professional.
Caution: Avoid using household cleaners or alcohol, which can damage the casing and sensitive components.
2. Use a Hearing Aid Dehumidifier
Pollen season often means humid weather too. A hearing aid dehumidifier — a small case or tube that dries out moisture overnight — can be a game changer. It keeps the internal parts dry, preventing damage from sweat, humidity, and pollen buildup.
3. Clean Your Ears (Gently!)
Your ears themselves can collect pollen and sweat. After spending time outside, gently clean around your outer ears with a damp cloth or a saline wipe. Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal — you don't want to push debris further inside which can cause impaction, hearing loss, and potentially an infection.
4. Limit Outdoor Time on High-Pollen Days
Try to stay indoors during peak pollen times (usually early morning) or when the pollen count is especially high. You can check local pollen forecasts online or through weather apps. If you do go outside, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help keep some pollen off your hair and ears.
5. Schedule a Professional Cleaning
It’s smart to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned and checked by your hearing care professional once or twice a year — and spring is the perfect reminder to schedule a visit. They have the tools and expertise to deep-clean the devices safely.
Be on the Watch for Signs of Ear Trouble
If you notice symptoms like muffled hearing, pain, pressure, or ringing/buzizng (tinnitus) that doesn’t go away, check in with a licensed hearing professional as soon as possible. Allergies can sometimes lead to fluid buildup behind the eardrum or ear infections that need treatment.
Pollen season can be tough enough without throwing your hearing off balance. With just a few quick habits, you can protect both your hearing health and your hearing aids to fully enjoy another beautiful spring!
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
