Earaches, ear blockages and other ear-related conditions are common occurrences, especially in children. In many cases, allergic conditions contribute to recurring bouts of ear-related problems, such as:

• Ear infection (otitis media). This refers to an inflammation and/or infection of the middle ear typically preceded by or associated with a viral upper respiratory tract infection. This occurs more often in males than in females.
  
  
• Middle-ear disease (otitis media with effusion). This refers to fluid in the middle-ear space that develops after an ear infection, but without the symptoms of acute infection. Almost every ear infection is followed by days or weeks of middle-ear disease. However, some cases of middle-ear disease develop without a preceding bout of acute inflammation.

Allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, can interfere with the function of the eustachian tube, which connects the nose to the middle ear. The tube allows air into the middle ear and drains fluid from the ears into the nasal cavity. Conditions such as allergic rhinitis can cause the eustachian tube to become blocked, which can lead to:

• Recurrent ear infections or fluid collection
• Ear pressure and pain
• Decreased hearing
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness (vertigo)

Recurring ear problems can have serious consequences for hearing ability, which can affect language and other developmental skills. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat infections and ear tubes may be inserted to help drain fluid.

However, when the cause stems from allergy symptoms, the best long-term strategy may include addressing the allergy through avoidance, medications or other measures.