We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
Okay, there are two ways to consider it: The first thing you might think about is that bucket list item you just never seem to get to. Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach may come to mind.
That’s so aggravating! Feeling that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can relieve itching inside of your ears. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your daily life
It may sound like a minor problem, superficially. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it happens from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But if your ears are itchy constantly? It may end up having a significant impact on your quality of life.
Perhaps you stay home and avoid interacting with friends. Maybe you start listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But treatments and strategies do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering a suitable treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s causing that itch? And what can be done about it? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible root conditions that could be impacting your ears. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a substantial amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You might be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for numerous reasons. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop immediately. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Ear infections: That’s right, the cause of your itchy ears could be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can occur at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can take place. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. The fix is to speak with your doctor and address the root infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, can ease itching caused by allergies. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be caused by a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. This will create the best results and the best sound. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. This, as a result, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often, and that can be bad for your hearing. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. In some situations, hearing aids could even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin condition can cause a reaction in spots you can’t reach. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. It’s not exactly simple to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. Again, your doctor will be the best person to help you deal with skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Just about every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Finding the best treatment, and getting lasting relief can be completely life changing. Usually, these itchy ears will not clear up by themselves (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes forever), so there’s no point in attempting to wait it out, you’ll probably just extend your suffering.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you mad, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the regular, everyday activities you enjoy.