Itchy Ears, Fluid, or Hearing Changes? Allergies Could Be the Cause

Newport News, VA – with Dr. Timothy Queen, Advanced ENT & Allergy 

If your ears feel itchy, full, “muffled,” or you notice popping and pressure, especially during our high-pollen months in Hampton Roads, you’re not alone. Most people think allergies only affect the nose and eyes, but they can absolutely impact your ears, too. Here’s the quick, patient-friendly guide to what’s going on, how to feel better, and when to see a specialist here in Newport News. 

Why allergies bother your ears

Allergies spark inflammation in your nose and throat. That same swelling can affect the eustachian tube, a tiny passage that connects the back of your nose to your middle ear. When this tube gets inflamed or blocked, it can’t equalize pressure or drain fluid well. The result is fullness, crackling or popping, decreased hearing, and sometimes pain. Managing the underlying allergies calms the inflammation and often eases the ear symptoms because it restores drainage.¹  

Common signs to watch for

• Itchy ears or ear canal irritation
• Fullness, pressure, or popping (often worse with altitude or weather changes)
• Muffled or “underwater” hearing
• Occasional ringing/buzzing (tinnitus)
• Ear pain that flares with your allergy symptoms

These are classic signs of eustachian tube dysfunction related to nasal congestion and swelling from allergic rhinitis. If fluid becomes trapped, the risk of a middle-ear infection can go up. This is another reason to get ahead of your symptoms. 

What You Can Do At Home

Think of this as your “reduce the swelling, restore the flow” plan:

1. Tame the triggers. On high-pollen days, keep windows closed, shower after outdoor time, and consider a bedroom HEPA air purifier. Small daily habits add up.
2. Use a daily nasal steroid spray as directed. It targets the nasal inflammation that contributes to eustachian tube blockage. Give it a few days of consistent use to feel the difference.
3. Consider non-drowsy antihistamines to lower your allergic response that fuels congestion and itching. Ask your physician what’s right for you, especially if you take other medications.
4. Try nasal saline rinses to gently clear allergens and mucus. Use sterile/distilled water and follow device instructions.
5. Help equalize pressure. Yawning, swallowing, or gently chewing gum can prompt the eustachian tube to open and relieve temporary pressure.

If your symptoms reliably flair up seasonally, Dr. Timothy Queen and his expert team recommends you start your allergy regimen 2–3 weeks before your typical season begins to prevent inflammation from taking hold. 

When to call Advanced ENT & Allergy in Newport News

Reach out if you notice:

• Persistent ear pain, pressure, or hearing changes lasting more than a few days
• Drainage from the ear (especially pus or blood)
• Fever, severe pain, or symptoms after a head injury
• Repeated episodes that affect your daily life or hearing

An ENT and Allergy specialist such as Dr. Timothy Queen can distinguish allergy-related problems from infections or other conditions and recommend the right treatment so you feel better faster and protect your hearing long-term. Dr. Timothy Queen, a board-certified otolaryngologist at Advanced ENT & Allergy here in Newport News, VA, evaluates and treats the full spectrum of ear, nose, throat, and allergy concerns for families across Hampton Roads. 

What to Expect from You Expert Care

Your visit may include a careful ear, nose, and throat exam. If hearing changes persist, we may recommend a hearing test or tympanometry (which measures eardrum movement). If allergies are the driver, treatment often includes:

• Allergy medications (nasal steroids, antihistamines, and short-term decongestants when appropriate)
• Allergen immunotherapy (shots or drops) for long-term control in select patients
• Targeted ear care and, if a true infection develops, appropriate antibiotics

The key is aligning treatment with the root cause which includes calming allergy-related inflammation to restore ventilation and drainage in the middle ear. 

Hearing Changes – Should You Worry?

Temporary, conductive hearing changes (sounds seem softer or muffled) are common when your eustachian tube isn’t ventilating the middle ear well. As swelling improves and fluid drains, your hearing usually rebounds. If hearing loss is sudden, one-sided, or not improving, seek prompt care to check for other causes and protect your long-term hearing health. 

The Bottom Line for Hampton Roads Residents

Allergy season doesn’t have to mean itchy, full, or “muffled” ears. With smart daily habits, the right medications, and expert guidance, you can get relief and safeguard your hearing. If ear symptoms are new, severe, or persistent, our Newport News team is here to help. Reach out to us at https://www.entallergy1.com/ to schedule a consultation. 

Reference: 

¹  https://www.aaaai.org/Aaaai/media/Media-Library-PDFs/Allergist%20Resources/Statements%20and%20Practice%20Parameters/Rhinitis-2020-A-practice-parameter-update.pdf