We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
Alright, there are two ways to think about 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 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 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 frustrating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your everyday life
It might sound like a minor problem, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only occurs now and then. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It’s not fun at all. But there are strategies and treatments. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means understanding what causes them in the first place.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the solution? The solution for itching ears is going to differ depending on the root cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are several possible underlying conditions that might be impacting your ears. Here are a few of the most common:
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin condition can cause a response in spots you can’t reach. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. You should speak with your doctor about what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe option, after all. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You may be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can develop for a number of reasons. One thing you should quit doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So making an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will yield the best returns and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears could be a normal ear infection. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any age. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with accumulation of fluid, swelling of the tissue can happen. Together, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. The solution is to talk to your doctor and address the root infection. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. You can sometimes reduce your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of just about anything. Finding the correct treatment, and getting sustained relief can be completely life changing. Often, these itchy ears will not go away 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 prolong your suffering.
If you find that your itchy ears are driving you nuts, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you like.