Seasonal hearing disorders

 

Hearing loss and minor ear pain may be brought about by seasonal triggers such as allergies. They come and go over specific periods but never cause any permanent problems.

Temporary hearing loss caused by seasonal issues results from the sinuses' swelling and congestion as a reaction to allergens. Because the ears, nose, and throat are connected in a distinct network, one area under stress will affect the other regions directly. Simply put, a stuffy nose will almost always lead to hearing impairment or ear pain to a certain degree.

 

Spring/Summer

 

Seasons like Spring and Summer bring out the worst in the flaw of the human immune system. The immune system can combat the worst of infections but can still not grow its immunity against pollen, leaving people with allergies every time Spring rolls in. With the knowledge that pollen irritates you, it's best to take precautions as the seasons change to avoid suffering from clogged noses and hearing loss. Should you suffer from the hearing loss that allergies come with, rest assured your hearing will return to normal once the allergy passes.

 

Music festivals and tinnitus

 

If you attend music festivals, it is advisable that you protect your ears. Loud noises or music during music festivals or concerts can permanently impact hearing, such as tinnitus. Tinnitus is a ringing sound in the ears where there is no external cause for the sound. So, it is highly advisable to wear hearing protection during music festivals.

 

Pressure changes

 

If you've ever flown on an airplane before or gone scuba diving, you have probably experienced some form of barotrauma. Barotrauma is an ear condition brought about by a change in pressure. For some, it may entail ear pain and even a nosebleed, but for others, it is milder and only brings about temporary hearing loss. To avoid the discomforts of barotrauma, earplugs for flying are available on most flights for free, while earplugs for diving also come inexpensively.

 

Autumn/Winter

 

Autumn, for some people, signals the end of their allergies. But some suffer into the new season for specific reasons, and just because the winter season lays pollen to rest for a few months doesn't mean everyone is safe from getting allergies. Unfortunately for some, their spring and summer allergies can be prolonged due to specific plants that pollinate later than others. The temperature change that comes with each season is also partly to blame. Raking leaves outdoors poses risks of allergies the same way staying indoors during the winter exposes you to allergens you don't usually pick up because of the extra time spent inside.

 

Flu and otitis

 

An ear infection called otitis media is a complication of having flu symptoms. This is because your ears and nose are connected by the Eustachian tube. Being that colds are part of having the flu, your Eustachian tube inflamed, leading to an ear infection. Otitis media occurs when the inflamed Eustachian tubes do not function normally. The build-up makes you prone to infection without draining your ears of the excess mucus.

 

Pressure changes in mountain

 

Barotrauma from climbing mountains that causes ear pain can be avoided with proper hearing protection. Using earplugs, you can protect your ears from suffering pressure changes as you go further up the mountain or begin your descent from the top. Certain cases may lead to ear damage, while most experiences have temporary effects. It's always best to be careful.

 

Swimmers ear

 

The ear infection called swimmers ear is also known as otitis externa. It often occurs after submerging your head in water, such as during swimming. The best way to avoid it is by using earplugs for swimming. Due to the excess water in your ear canal, bacteria can thrive. Swimming in maintained pools poses less risk than swimming in lakes or bodies of water that host several living organisms. A Swimmer's ear is characterized by irritation that leads to itchiness and a clear liquid dripping out of your ear. As it worsens, more pain is expected, and the liquid becomes pus-filled. If untended, it may turn into an emergency case. So, see your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms.