Do Allergies Cause Tinnitus or Hearing Loss?
Yes, they can. At Sound Relief, we often see a spike in tinnitus and hearing issues during allergy season. If you are wondering whether your allergies are making your tinnitus worse — or even causing it — you are not alone.
Understanding How Allergies Can Cause Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears that are not caused by an external source. It can be a chronic issue or merely a temporary response to changes in the ear’s environment. One such trigger is allergies.
Allergic rhinitis (a.k.a. “hay fever”) is an immune system reaction to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. In response, the body releases histamine, which leads to inflammation, excess mucus production, sinus pressure, and fluid buildup in the ears. This chain reaction can interfere with the normal function of the middle ear and auditory system — leading to both hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms.
If you have noticed that your ears feel “off” during allergy season or that your tinnitus flares up when your allergies do, the two could very well be connected.
More than 100 million people in the U.S. experience various types of allergies each year, including seasonal allergies, eczema, and food allergies.
Allergies and the Auditory System
The middle ear is responsible for transmitting sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. To function properly, it relies on the Eustachian tube — a narrow canal that allows for drainage and pressure balance. When allergies cause inflammation or congestion, this tube can become blocked. As a result:
- Pressure builds behind the eardrum
- Fluid can collect in the middle ear
- Sound transmission becomes impaired
- Tinnitus may develop or intensify
“Oftentimes, allergic patients complain of slight hearing loss and a sense of fullness or pressure. A hearing test typically shows a mild hearing loss, and a tympanogram may reveal reduced eardrum mobility—signs of fluid or inflammation that can directly affect tinnitus symptoms. That means the middle ear has some fluid or inflammation that may need to be addressed with medication — usually over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays will suffice.” Dr. Julie Prutsman, Au.D.— Owner and Founder of Sound Relief
Types of Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Related to Allergies
Fullness
Excess fluid in the ear creates pressure or a clogged feeling. The fluid presses against the eardrum, causing discomfort and making it more difficult to hear. In most cases, this discomfort will dissipate with time. However, if you are experiencing any pain, this could be a symptom of an ear infection, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Conductive Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot properly flow through the ear and into the tiny bones of the middle ear. Excess fluid or ear wax may interfere with sound as it travels to the cochlea. Although conductive hearing loss is curable and may improve naturally, it is difficult to determine if conductive hearing loss is temporary or permanent without thorough testing. If you experience sudden or noticeable hearing loss, seek medical attention immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to treat – and you don’t want to reach the point of no return. This is your hearing we are talking about, after all!
Tinnitus from Seasonal Allergies
Allergy-related tinnitus occurs when tinnitus only develops alongside other allergy symptoms. If you suffer from tinnitus for several months of the year due to allergies, contact the Sound Relief Hearing Center for help.
Can Allergies Cause Permanent Tinnitus?
In most cases, allergy-related tinnitus is temporary and improves as symptoms subside. However, if left untreated — especially if recurring inflammation leads to ear infections or chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction—it can contribute to more persistent tinnitus.
Additionally, for individuals already living with tinnitus, allergies may exacerbate existing symptoms, making the ringing or buzzing louder and more disruptive.
Remedies for Allergy-Related Auditory Issues
If you suspect your allergies are causing or worsening your tinnitus, here are a few strategies that may help:
Manage Allergy Symptoms
Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and decongestants may reduce inflammation and fluid buildup. Always consult with your doctor to choose the right medication.
Be Proactive with Seasonal Allergies
Track local pollen levels and try to limit exposure on high-count days. Showering after spending time outdoors and using air purifiers indoors can also help minimize allergen load.
Try Gentle Sound Therapy
Soft background sounds like white noise or nature sounds can mix with or temporarily mask tinnitus and make it less noticeable, especially during quiet moments or at bedtime.
Schedule An Appointment To Evaluate Your Hearing Health
If your tinnitus or hearing troubles persist, visiting an audiologist is the logical next step. Hearing tests can determine whether underlying hearing loss or middle ear dysfunction contributes to your symptoms. At Sound Relief, we can help you make that determination.
Take our Tinnitus Impact Survey to determine the severity of your tinnitus
Yes, Allergies Can Cause Tinnitus
Some people who experience mild irritation or annoyance due to tinnitus find that the ringing or high-pitched sound worsens with allergies. Unremitting tinnitus can interfere with one’s ability to hear, mood, sleep, and quality of life.
If you or someone you know suffers from tinnitus, do not give up hope. We can help! Dr. Julie and her team of audiologists at Sound Relief specialize in personalized tinnitus relief solutions. Please give us a call or browse our website for more information.