We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
You may think about this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do in life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t manage to reach may come to mind.
That’s so annoying! Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there’s no such device that can relieve itching inside of your ears. That itchy feeling 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 in this way, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
At first glance, it sounds like a minor thing. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or throbbing.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only happens from time to time. But if your ears are itchy all the time? It might end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and stop interacting with friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It stinks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what can you do about it? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. Your ears could be being impacted by many underlying causes, as with many medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Ear infections: That’s right, the cause of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any time. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to become inflamed. Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. Addressing the infection with the help of your doctor is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are several reasons why blockages can form. One thing you should stop doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin disorder can cause a response in places you can’t itch. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your options are. It’s not exactly convenient to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. If you have this kind 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. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can ease itching caused by allergies. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be caused by a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching lingers, you should talk to an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- 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 this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often. The answer is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. In some instances, hearing aids could even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Just about every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the proper treatment. 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 attempting to wait it out, you’ll probably just extend your suffering.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.
