If every spring or summer brings a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and now that annoying feeling of fullness in your ears, you’re not imagining it.
Hayfever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, doesn’t just make you sneeze, it can affect your ears too.
Allergies inflame the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, disrupting how your ears balance air pressure.
The result?
A clogged, muffled, or “underwater” sensation that can linger for weeks.
In this blog, we’ll explain exactly how hayfever causes ear blockage, share safe home remedies, and discuss when to visit Dewaxify for professional relief.
Why Hayfever Causes Ear Blockage
When pollen, dust, or pet dander enters your nose, your immune system reacts as if it’s under attack.
It releases histamine, which causes swelling and extra mucus.
This inflammation extends to the Eustachian tubes, tiny passageways that connect the middle ear to the back of your throat.
When these tubes swell shut, pressure builds up behind your eardrum, and you feel a blockage or reduced hearing.
Over time, persistent inflammation may even lead to fluid accumulation (otitis media with effusion), causing dizziness or mild balance issues.
In short: hayfever can block ears by swelling the nasal passages, increasing mucus, and trapping pressure behind the eardrum.
Related Blog Post>>>
How to Improve Ear Health: Simple Daily Habits, Expert Tips, and Natural Care Practices
Common Causes of Hayfever Ear Blockage
| Cause | Why It Blocks the Ear |
| Pollen and airborne allergens | Trigger inflammation in nasal tissues and Eustachian tube |
| Mucus overproduction | Blocks airflow between ear and throat |
| Swollen nasal lining | Narrows the Eustachian tube opening |
| Repeated sneezing and pressure changes | Traps air behind the eardrum |
| Seasonal exposure (grass, tree, mold spores) | Keeps the nasal tissues constantly inflamed |
Symptoms: How to Know if Your Blocked Ears Are Allergy Related
- A feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- Crackling or popping when swallowing
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Temporary ringing or buzzing sounds
- No pain or discharge (which differentiates it from infection)
If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, it’s time to visit a specialist.
Also Read>>>>
The Complete Guide to Ear Health: Tips for Preventing Hearing Problems
How to Relieve Allergy-Related Ear Blockage at Home
If your eardrum is intact and you don’t have chronic ear problems, these home strategies can help restore pressure balance safely.
1. Saline Nasal Rinse
A gentle saline rinse helps flush out pollen and mucus from your nasal passages.
It also reduces inflammation that blocks the Eustachian tube.
Use isotonic saline once or twice daily for consistent relief.
2. Antihistamines
Over-the-counter antihistamines (like loratadine or cetirizine) help control histamine levels.
They’re especially effective when started early in the hayfever season.
3. Nasal Steroid Sprays
These sprays (fluticasone, mometasone) reduce swelling inside the nose and Eustachian tubes.
Use them once or twice a day, but give them a few days to take effect.
4. Warm Compresses
Apply a warm towel over the affected ear for 10 minutes.
This improves circulation and may ease pressure pain.
5. Steam Inhalation
Breathe steam from a bowl of hot water or during a shower to loosen mucus.
Always keep your face at a safe distance to prevent burns.
6. Pressure Equalisation Exercises
Swallowing, yawning, or gently blowing against a closed nose (Valsalva manoeuvre) can open the Eustachian tubes temporarily.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus. Hydration keeps your sinuses and ear passages clear.
7 Proven Home Remedies for Allergy-Blocked Ears
| Method | How It Helps | Duration |
| Saline nasal rinse | Clears mucus and allergens | 2 times daily |
| Antihistamines | Reduce histamine response | Once daily |
| Nasal steroid spray | Decrease nasal swelling | Daily |
| Warm compress | Eases discomfort | 10 minutes |
| Steam inhalation | Loosens mucus | 1–2 sessions daily |
| Gentle yawning or swallowing | Equalises ear pressure | As needed |
| Hydration | Thin the mucus for better drainage | Throughout day |
What Not to Do
- Avoid inserting cotton buds or hairpins into your ears.
- Don’t use ear candles; they have no proven benefit and may burn the ear.
- Don’t overuse nasal decongestant sprays beyond 3 days, as they cause rebound congestion.
- Avoid swimming in unchlorinated or dirty water during peak allergy weeks.
When to See a Specialist
If your ear remains blocked for more than two weeks despite treatment, or if you develop the following, visit a clinic immediately:
- Sharp or persistent ear pain
- Hearing loss in one ear
- Discharge or fluid coming out
- Dizziness or nausea
- Recurrent blockage every allergy season
A qualified audiologist or ENT will perform otoscopy, tympanometry, and possibly a hearing test to confirm whether the cause is inflammation, fluid, or wax.
Dewaxify: London’s Trusted Clinic for Ear Health
Founded in April 2017 by Sita Parmar, a certified Audiological Scientist, Dewaxify is an ear wax removal clinic based in Ilford, East London.
The clinic specializes in microsuction ear wax removal, a dry, precise, and highly effective method considered the gold standard in modern audiology.
Dewaxify’s Expertise and Services
- Microsuction Technology: Uses a gentle suction device with magnification for precise ear cleaning.
- Comfortable and Fast: The entire process takes about 20 minutes, including examination.
- Safe for All Ages: Suitable for patients with perforated eardrums, hearing aids, or post-surgery ears.
- Comprehensive Consultation: Each appointment includes HD otoscopy, where patients can see inside their ears on-screen, followed by a free online hearing test.
Pricing & Accessibility
Appointments start at £60 and include a free consultation and personalised after-care guide.
The clinic is fully accessible, family-friendly, and equipped with a pediatric audiologist for children aged 6 and above.
Why Professional Care Complements Home Treatment
While home remedies manage inflammation, sometimes the ear still feels blocked due to residual wax or fluid.
Microsuction can safely remove any hardened debris that worsens pressure build-up.
It helps restore your ear’s natural self-cleaning function and prevents future discomfort.
Many Dewaxify patients describe the experience as “oddly satisfying,” especially when they can instantly hear better after their session.
A 7-Day Plan to Relieve Hayfever-Blocked Ears
| Day | Step | Why It Helps |
| 1 | Start a daily antihistamine | Controls allergy symptoms early |
| 2 | Use saline rinse morning and night | Clears allergens and mucus |
| 3 | Add a nasal steroid spray | Reduces swelling inside Eustachian tube |
| 4 | Apply a warm compress | Relieves ear fullness and pain |
| 5 | Do gentle pressure equalisation exercises | Opens up the tube naturally |
| 6 | Take Dewaxify’s free online hearing test | Checks if hearing is affected |
| 7 | Book a consultation at Dewaxify | Ensures full recovery and peace of mind |
Ready to Breathe and Hear Clearly Again?
Don’t let hayfever season block your hearing. Follow these daily care tips, and if pressure persists, schedule a professional check-up at Dewaxify Ilford.
Same-day appointments and free hearing tests available.
FAQs
Can hayfever cause permanent hearing loss?
No. Hayfever usually causes temporary hearing reduction due to pressure or fluid build-up. Once the allergy subsides, hearing returns to normal.
How long do blocked ears from allergies last?
Mild blockage clears within a few days. Persistent symptoms for over two weeks should be examined by a professional.
Can children get blocked ears from hayfever?
Yes. Children are more prone to Eustachian tube blockage. Early treatment prevents infections and speech delays.
Should I use olive oil or ear drops for allergy blockage?
No. Allergy-related blockage is caused by swelling, not wax. Use nasal treatments and consult a clinic if symptoms persist.
How does Dewaxify help if it’s not wax-related?
Dewaxify provides full ear assessments, microsuction for any debris, and guides patients toward ENT or allergy care if needed.
