Sudden hearing loss is considered to be a potential emergency by ENT physicians and audiologists and can be scary for anyone. Fortunately, a sudden hearing loss is not necessarily a sign of something far more serious lurking inside your body. Prompt action to investigate the cause of the hearing loss is the most important thing to remember.
The immune system of people who respond poorly to allergens immediately begins to produce a specific type of antibody that itself contributes to the release of histamine. Not only is that what produces an allergic response, but it can also increase mucus production which is a direct contributor to conductive hearing loss for many people as a result of interfering with the passage of sound energy through the middle ear behind the eardrum.
Allergies and Your Hearing: Breaking Things Down
Conductive hearing loss is something that happens when conditions in your body prevent sound energy from reaching the inner ear. It can make it very difficult for someone to hear, but the good news is that it is typically curable.
Another type of allergy-related hearing loss involves skin reactions that can cause itching and swelling in the ear canal. Oftentimes, people will have a similar response if they come into contact with a specific type of laundry detergent that they’re overly sensitive to.
Swelling reactions also have the potential to block your ear’s Eustachian tube – meaning it won’t be able to drain or relieve pressure properly. This can cause an excess amount of fluid to build up in the middle ear, which can lead to hearing loss and even an infection in some situations.
While hearing loss is always a serious problem, it isn’t necessarily permanent – particularly if you’re already prone to allergic reactions.
Contact Us Today
If you have any additional questions about whether you’re experiencing allergies or sudden hearing loss, or if you’d just like to discuss the specifics of your own situation with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact us today and schedule your next appointment at one of our many convenient locations.