We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
You may consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you consider something you always wanted to do with your life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t manage to reach may spring to mind.
That’s kind of a terrible experience, right? Having that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device that will get at it. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere 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.
Your everyday life can be impacted by itchy ears
On the surface, 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.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it occurs from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? It could end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Perhaps you stay home and stop interacting with friends. Or perhaps you try to overwhelm the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It’s not at all fun. But there are strategies and treatments. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering an appropriate treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the treatment? 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 may be affecting your ears. Among the most common are the following:
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection might be the reason for your misery. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the solution. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to create a copious amount of wax. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are several reasons why blockages can develop. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop right away. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, at times, cause itching that’s hard to get at. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. You should talk to your doctor about what your solutions are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe option, after all. Once again, your provider will be the best person to help you treat skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most effective results. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. In some situations, hearing aids may even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. You can often reduce your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It’s frequently difficult to determine precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can result from a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching persists, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Pretty much every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Finding the correct treatment, and getting sustained relief can be completely 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 attempting to wait it out, you’ll likely just prolong your suffering.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Call us for a consultation.