Tinnitus is the presence of ringing, buzzing or other noises in one or both ears when there’s no actual sound present. Commonly linked to age-related hearing loss or exposure to high decibel levels, about 10% of people in the United States have reported experiencing tinnitus in the past year. For those with allergies, it’s been observed that allergic symptoms can intensify the experience of tinnitus.
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental elements like pollen or pet dander. Allergy symptoms typically include itching, sneezing, a stuffy nose and inflammation. This inflammation can contribute to the worsening of tinnitus by causing fluid accumulation and increased pressure in the middle ear, which can disturb the ear’s normal sound-processing abilities.
The body’s release of inflammatory substances and cytokines during an allergic response can also interfere with the auditory system’s signal transmission, potentially resulting in tinnitus.
Strategies for Symptom Management
For those dealing with both allergies and tinnitus, controlling your allergy symptoms might also lessen the effects of tinnitus.
Here are some strategies to manage your symptoms:
- Identify and sidestep allergens: Consult with a healthcare provider to pinpoint your specific allergens through allergy testing. Steering clear of these allergens is the most straightforward strategy to prevent allergic reactions.
- Utilize allergy medications: Employ over-the-counter or prescription medications from places like Joule Wellness Pharmacy for allergies to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
- Keep stress in check: Since stress and anxiety can amplify the intensity of tinnitus, managing stress levels might help in reducing the occurrence of tinnitus.
- Safeguard your hearing: Limit your exposure to loud sounds and take regular breaks from using personal audio devices at high volumes. Regular hearing evaluations are important to track and preserve your hearing health over time.
Should your tinnitus begin disrupting daily activities or if it’s coupled with other symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness or ear discomfort, you should see a hearing specialist. They can perform a comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause of your tinnitus and suggest suitable treatment methods.
For those experiencing tinnitus as a side effect of allergies, effectively managing allergy symptoms could provide some relief. If you’re struggling with persistent allergy symptoms, to ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia to schedule an appointment to learn more about how to manage your symptoms.