We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
You may think about this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do with your life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s so aggravating! Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can get rid of itching inside of your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more frustrating than that spot on your back.
Your daily life can be affected by itchy ears
It might sound like a small problem, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you’re not in terrible pain.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it happens once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But if your ears are itchy all the time? It could end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes 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 an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what can be done about it? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible root conditions that could be affecting your ears. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the cause of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. In addition, the tissues in your ears can begin to become inflamed. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. The solution is to talk to your doctor and treat the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a response in spots you can’t reach. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. You should speak with your doctor about what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe option, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. You can sometimes decrease your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine. It’s often hard to figure out precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can be caused by a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching persists, you should talk to an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. That’s how you get the best sound and the most effective results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. This, as a result, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently, and that can be bad for your hearing. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You might be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for a number of reasons. One thing you should quit doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. In any case, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So making an appointment can help bring you some relief.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Pretty much every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Finding the correct treatment, and getting sustained relief can be absolutely life changing. Often, these itchy ears will not clear up on their own (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes ages), so there’s no point in trying to wait it out, you’ll likely just extend your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.