Can Allergies or Non-Allergic Rhinitis Affect Hearing?

Q: Can Allergies or Non-Allergic Rhinitis Affect Hearing?

Hello, the issues you mentioned may be due to： 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction： This is the most common cause and can occur not only during air travel, mountain climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. <br>This issue may be related to allerg

Hearing issues may be related to allergies or non-allergic rhinitis?

I started using headphones in May this year, and by early July, I noticed that I had to replay conversations to understand some people.
I visited an ENT specialist in August, and the doctor said it was just due to my late sleeping habits, prescribing me medication for allergic rhinitis.
At that time, I thought it was just a matter of adjusting my schedule, so I didn't take the medication and also stopped using headphones to listen to music.
Additionally, in June, we adopted a cat, and I'm not sure if my symptoms are related to the cat.
A few days ago, I researched and found that I might be experiencing symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis, but I'm still curious: could my cat be affecting my ears, or could non-allergic rhinitis be the cause? The medication the doctor prescribed on August 13 has been a month now; can I take it? Thank you, doctor.
I'm currently in high school, and I don't want to lose my hearing! QQ!!

Emily, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/17

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the issues you mentioned may be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during air travel, mountain climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over.
This issue may be related to allergic rhinitis.
2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: Often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: This usually occurs when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, which can become inflamed due to unclean water or improper ear cleaning.
All of the above conditions can be appropriately treated with medication after consulting a healthcare provider.
If you have already undergone pure tone audiometry (which requires headphones in a soundproof room, where sounds are presented and you are asked to signal when you hear them, rather than just using a tuning fork), and it has been confirmed that you do not have sudden sensorineural hearing loss, then medication may suffice.
However, if you have not undergone pure tone audiometry, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an examination to rule out sudden hearing loss.
The golden treatment window for sudden sensorineural hearing loss is two weeks, and early treatment yields better results.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi Chao-Yun, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/09/17

More Info

Allergies and non-allergic rhinitis can indeed have an impact on hearing, although the mechanisms and effects may vary. When you experience nasal congestion due to allergies or non-allergic rhinitis, it can lead to a condition known as Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps to equalize pressure in the ear. If this tube becomes blocked or does not function properly due to inflammation or congestion, it can lead to a sensation of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, or even ear pain.

In your case, since you mentioned that you started experiencing difficulty hearing and had to repeat what others said, it is possible that your nasal symptoms, whether they are due to allergies or non-allergic rhinitis, are contributing to your hearing issues. The presence of a cat in your home could potentially trigger allergic reactions if you are sensitive to pet dander, which might exacerbate your nasal symptoms. However, if you suspect that you have non-allergic rhinitis, it may not be directly related to the cat but rather to other environmental factors or irritants.

It's important to note that untreated nasal congestion can lead to complications such as middle ear infections or fluid accumulation in the middle ear, which can further affect hearing. If you have not yet undergone a comprehensive hearing test, it would be advisable to do so. This test can help determine if there is any significant hearing loss and whether it is related to your nasal issues.

Regarding the medication prescribed by your doctor, if it was specifically for allergic rhinitis and you have been experiencing symptoms consistent with that diagnosis, it would be beneficial to take the medication as directed. Medications for allergies, such as antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids, can help reduce inflammation and congestion, potentially improving both your nasal symptoms and your hearing.

In summary, both allergies and non-allergic rhinitis can affect hearing through mechanisms such as Eustachian tube dysfunction and middle ear pressure changes. It is crucial to address these nasal symptoms to prevent further complications and to maintain your hearing health. If you have concerns about the medication prescribed or your symptoms, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options. Remember, early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek help if your symptoms persist.

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