If you’ve ever found yourself battling itchy eyes, a stuffy nose and that infuriating tickle in the back of your throat during spring or summer—there’s a good chance hayfever’s to blame. But what about your ears?
Surprisingly, yes. While hayfever isn’t necessarily one of the most common causes of hearing loss, your ears can absolutely get caught up in the chaos of seasonal allergies. So if you’ve noticed pressure, muffled hearing or popping during allergy season, no, you’re not imagining it! Here’s how, why it happens, and what you can do to find some relief.
How Hayfever Affects the Ears
Hayfever, or allergic rhinitis, is your immune system’s over-the-top response to harmless things like pollen. The reaction triggers inflammation throughout the upper respiratory tract—and unfortunately, your ears aren’t immune.
Your ears, nose and throat are all connected
Ever heard of the Eustachian tube? It runs between your middle ear and the back of your nose, helping to equalise pressure. But during allergy season, this tube can become inflamed and blocked—especially if your sinuses are swollen too. The result? Ear fullness, discomfort, and sometimes even temporary hearing changes.
Fluid can build up in the middle ear
Blocked Eustachian tubes can also lead to fluid collecting behind your eardrum. It’s not usually infected (so not an ear infection), but it can feel just as unpleasant. People often describe it as a sensation of ‘fullness’ or say their ears feel like they need to pop but won’t.
Hayfever can impact hearing—temporarily
Because of the pressure and fluid, you might notice sounds becoming muffled or slightly distorted. You’re not going deaf—but your hearing is being affected. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people with seasonal allergies experience similar symptoms.
Why Ear Issues Happen During Allergy Season
Spring and summer might be lovely—but for those with hayfever, they’re also the peak time for ear-related misery. Why? It all comes down to what’s floating in the air and how your body reacts to it.
Pollen is a powerful trigger
Different plants release pollen at different times of year. In the UK, tree pollen tends to peak between March and May, grass pollen from May to July, and weed pollen from late summer into early autumn. If you’re allergic to more than one type, that’s a long stretch of time to be dealing with symptoms.
Inflammation spreads easily
What starts as an itchy nose or sore throat can easily affect your ears. The entire upper respiratory system is interconnected, which means inflammation doesn’t just stay in one place. It moves. And when it hits the Eustachian tube, that’s when the ear issues begin.
Your body is working overtime
During allergy season, your immune system is basically on red alert. That constant state of defence creates excess mucus and swelling—neither of which are helpful when it comes to keeping your ears clear and functioning properly.
When to Be Concerned
A bit of popping or mild pressure now and then isn’t usually anything to worry about. But there are times when ear symptoms need proper attention—especially if they linger or worsen.
Persistent muffled hearing isn’t normal
If your hearing doesn’t return to normal once your hayfever flare-up eases, it could point to something else going on. In some cases, allergies can trigger or worsen existing issues.
Pain or discharge needs checking out
Allergy-related ear problems usually aren’t painful. So if you’re experiencing sharp pain, a fever, or fluid coming from your ear, it’s time to speak to a healthcare professional. These symptoms might indicate an infection or a ruptured eardrum, which should never be ignored.
Long-term congestion could cause damage
If your Eustachian tube remains blocked over a longer period, it could potentially impact your middle ear. Consistent pressure or fluid buildup may even affect your balance or lead to longer-term hearing issues if left untreated.
How to Relieve Hayfever-Related Ear Discomfort
Thankfully, there are things you can do to manage hayfever symptoms—and in turn, help your ears feel better too.
Try antihistamines or nasal sprays
Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce your body’s response to allergens, while nasal sprays (especially steroid ones) help bring down inflammation. If your sinuses are less congested, your Eustachian tubes are more likely to stay open.
Stay on top of your hayfever triggers
If you know which pollen types affect you most, keep an eye on the pollen count and try to avoid going outside when levels are high. Showering after being outdoors and keeping windows shut during peak pollen times can also help reduce your exposure.
Gentle ear care is essential
When your ears feel blocked, it can be tempting to try to clear them yourself. But using cotton buds or at-home kits can cause more harm than good. If you think earwax might be contributing to the pressure or muffled sound, it’s worth considering safe ear cleaning by professionals. It’s one less thing to worry about.
Preventing Future Ear Issues During Allergy Season
Hayfever might be a recurring problem, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to months of ear trouble every year. A few habits and preventative steps can go a long way.
Start your medication before symptoms kick in
If you tend to get symptoms around the same time every year, don’t wait for them to appear. Taking antihistamines or using a nasal spray before pollen season starts can stop the worst of the inflammation from developing in the first place.
Keep indoor air clean
Using an air purifier can help reduce indoor allergens like dust, mould and pet dander, which can all make hayfever symptoms worse. Regularly hoovering and washing bedding on a hot cycle can also make a noticeable difference.
Look after your ears year-round
Even outside of allergy season, your ears deserve care. Regular check-ups, good hygiene, and professional cleaning if needed can help keep your hearing sharp and your ears comfortable.
Final Thoughts
So—can hayfever affect your ears? Absolutely. From pressure and popping to temporary hearing changes, it’s all connected. But with the right management, these symptoms don’t have to take over your life. If you’re finding ear discomfort becoming a regular part of allergy season, we’re here to help.
Need support with ear pressure or hearing concerns? Get in touch with our audiology team today—we’ll help you hear clearly, all year round.