We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: First, you consider 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 seem to reach may come to mind.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, right? Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t reach (regardless 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 affect your everyday life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
Here’s something to consider: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only happens now and then. But if your ears are itchy constantly? It might end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Maybe you start listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But treatments and solutions do exist. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering the right treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the treatment? The solution for itching ears is going to differ depending on the root cause. Your ears could be being affected by many underlying causes, as with most medical conditions. Here are some of the most common:
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to produce a copious amount of wax. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But there are a number of reasons why blockages can form. One reason is because of 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 making an appointment with us.
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin condition can cause a response in spots you can’t itch. You can even find yourself with something called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe option, after all. Once again, your provider will be the best one to help you treat skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can arise at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to become inflamed. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. Addressing the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. You can sometimes decrease your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could very easily become itchy ears. An allergist will be the best place to seek a solution to this.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the best sound and the most effective results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often. The solution is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. In some instances, hearing aids may even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Just about every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the correct treatment. If you try to just wait it out, you will likely extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.
