We’ve all experienced 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 in life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach might come to mind.
That’s really frustrating! Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Unfortunately, there’s no such device that can alleviate itching in your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t 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
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.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it happens once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, substantially affected.
Perhaps you stay home and stop socializing with friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It sucks. But there are strategies and treatments. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding the right treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s causing that itch? And what can be done about it? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with most other medical conditions, there are numerous possible root conditions that might be impacting your ears. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, at times, cause itching that is difficult to get at. There’s even a disorder 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 feasible or safe solution, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
- 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 when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, 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 consult us for a proper fitting. In some cases, hearing aids may even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
- Ear infections: Yup, the regular old ear infection might be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can arise at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to become inflamed. Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. The fix is to speak with your doctor and address the underlying infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. You can often reduce your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, 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 easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching persists, you should talk to an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You might be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can develop for numerous 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 scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Itchy ears can take the fun out of just about everything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. Often, these itchy ears will not clear up on their own (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes forever), so there’s no point in attempting to wait it out, you’ll likely just prolong your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Give us a call for a consultation.