The common cold and allergic reactions can both cause ear congestion, which results in a temporary decrease in your ability to hear. Any time inflammation or fluid builds in your ear, you may expereince minor hearing impairment. The common cold and allergies cause similar symptoms to develop, making it difficulty to decipher between the two conditions. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of hearing trouble.
Common Cold
The common cold is given its name for good reason. The New York Times reports that there are over 1 billion colds diagnosed annually in the United States. The common cold is an upper-respiratory viral infection that is the result of one of over 100 different viruses. Common cold symptoms typically develop slowly and cause nasal congestion, eye irritation, a sore throat, coughing, runny nose, post-nasal drip and fatigue. Other symptoms may include a fever and body chills and aches. Most common colds are treated with over-the-counter medications that help alleviate certain symptoms but do not shorten or cure the viral infection.
Allergic Reactions
Seasonal allergies, such as an allergy to pollen or mold spores, can cause similar symptoms to develop. Unlike the common cold, allergic reaction symptoms do not develop slowly but come on suddenly, as soon as you’re exposed to an allergen. An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance. During an allergic reaction, inflammation commonly occurs in your sinus cavity, lungs, eyes and inner ears. Most allergic reactions are treated by identifying the allergens and avoiding exposure to the substances.
Effects on Hearing
Having a common cold or an allergic reaction will lead to increased inflammation in various parts of the head. Nasal congestion and ear congestion are common results of both conditions that can impair your hearing temporarily. The increased amount of mucus and swelling can cause your ear tube to become blocked or fluid to increase in your middle ear that can be made worse when traveling to different altitudes, according to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
Treatment
If you develop a change in hearing, you need to see a doctor immediately. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat yourself. Common treatment medications include antihistamines, decongestants and increased chewing. Antihistamines will help prevent allergy symptoms while drying up fluid in the ears. Decongestants can help reduce swelling in your sinuses and ear, alleviating any pain and pressure created by the inflammation. Increased swallowing can help create a vacuum affect that opens the ear tubes.
