Every year, hay fever sufferers watch the pollen count rise alongside temperature levels. But when the UK Met Office issues a heatwave warning – as currently forecast for the Late May Bank Holiday weekend – misery is increased not only for those with specific pollen allergies but also for the countless numbers of industrial deafness sufferers and others with degrees of hearing loss.

Every year, it is advised that hayfever sufferers seek medical assist assistance and advice to help combat the unpleasant irritation which can cause itchy eyes and ears, a runny nose, and uncontrollable sneezing. Even as a change in weather approaches, hay fever sufferers can experience the similar irritating symptoms of ‘thunderstorm asthma’ as thunderstorms and heavy rain cause air disturbance and increase the number of pollen particles.

Unfortunately, the allergic reaction also greatly diminishes the capacity to hear for those individuals affected by noise induced hearing loss. The interconnecting passages between the nasal and ear cavities within the skull become irritated or inflamed, muffling sound waves and decreasing whatever ability remains to hear particular sound frequencies.

Ironically, the daily peak pollen times coincide with the commute to and from work – around early morning (7am to 10am) and late afternoon (4pm to 7pm).

Although the standard method of relieving the worst of the symptoms include anti histamine tablets or anti-inflammatory sprays, various natural and homeopathic methods, such as drinking nettle tea, are also suggested as conducive to relieving excessive irritation.

Deafness Research UK – the medical charity for deaf and hard of hearing people – recommends the breathing in of steam from tea before drinking as both the steam and the tannins are considered beneficial to reducing the increased deafness causes by the inflammation.

The persistence of a worsened ability to hear may indicate a more serious deterioration of hearing ability and professional hearing advice should be sought without delay.