We’ve all experienced 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 with your life but you never got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s really annoying! Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device that will get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you physically can’t reach (regardless 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 impact your daily life
It might sound like a small issue, superficially. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least you’re not in terrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: 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 all the time? It may end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and avoid socializing 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 there are solutions and treatments. Discovering the best way to address itchy ears means understanding what causes them to begin with.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s causing that itch? And what can you do about it? The treatment for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that may be impacting your ears. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection could be the culprit behind your distress. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any time. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can occur. Very itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Treating the infection with the help of your doctor is the solution. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will yield the best results and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn to 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 answer. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that’s hard to get at. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your options are. It isn’t exactly simple to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. Once again, your doctor will be the best one to help you manage skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But this blockage can develop for a number of reasons. One thing you should stop doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. At any rate, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine, can alleviate itching caused by allergies. It’s often difficult to figure out exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching lingers, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Just about every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. Usually, these itchy ears will not go away on their own (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes forever), so there’s no point in trying to wait it out, you’ll probably just prolong your suffering.
If you find 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 like.
