We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
You might think about this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do in life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s sort of a terrible experience, right? Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can get rid of itching in your ears. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you can’t physically reach (no matter how hard you try). If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. No big deal, if it only happens now and then. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? You might find yourself, and your quality of life, substantially impacted.
Maybe you stay home and stop interacting with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It’s not at all fun. But treatments and solutions do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding a suitable treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the treatment? The solution for itching ears is going to differ depending on the root cause. Your ears could be being impacted by many underlying causes, as with many medical conditions. Among the most common are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You might be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can develop for numerous reasons. One reason is because of the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop immediately. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Ear infections can arise at any time in life but happen more often when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. Along with accumulation of fluid, swelling of the tissue can take place. Extremely itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that is hard to get at. You can even end up with something called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe option, after all. Once again, your provider will be the best person to help you deal with skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the best sound and the most successful results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. This, in turn, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to cause itching. You can sometimes minimize your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can result from a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. An allergist will be the right place to look for a solution to this.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Pretty much every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Finding the correct treatment, and getting lasting relief can be absolutely life changing. If you attempt to simply wait it out, you will probably prolong your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you find that your itchy ears are driving you crazy, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you like.