Nearly all of the ear-related conditions triggered by allergies spring from eustachian tube dysfunction. A number of different conditions can result, including:

• Recurring ear infections. Bacteria build up in the trapped fluid, causing recurring ear infections.
  
  
• Ear pressure and pain. Pain associated with ear-related conditions can be severe.
  
  
• Decreased hearing. Fluid in the middle ear prevents the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and auditory ossicles from working properly, which can impair hearing.
  
  
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus). People who hear a ringing, roaring, clicking or hissing sound in their ears suffer from tinnitus. This disorder stems from many possible sources, including hearing loss, loud noise, medications, and allergies and other health problems.
  
  
• Dizziness (vertigo). This is usually caused by an inner-ear disturbance or infection. The inner ear, which contributes to a person’s sense of balance, is made up of the cochlea and the labyrinth. Fluid buildup in these compartments can cause dizziness.

Some evidence suggests that nasal allergies and food allergies also can trigger symptoms of Ménière’s disease. This is a disorder of the balance mechanism of the inner ear that causes dizziness, hearing loss, painful ringing in the ears and sometimes nausea and vomiting. However, no connection between Ménière’s disease and allergies has been proved.