We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
You may consider this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you may think of is that bucket list item you just never seem to get done. Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s so aggravating! Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there isn’t any device that will get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not surprising that itchy ears are most likely driving you mad.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
On the surface, it sounds like a minor thing. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
Here’s something to consider: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. No big deal, if it only happens once in a while. But if your ears are itchy constantly? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, considerably affected.
Maybe the feeling is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It’s not fun at all. But treatments and strategies do exist. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means knowing what causes them in the first place.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s causing that itch? And what’s the solution? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with most other medical conditions, there are several possible underlying conditions that could be affecting your ears. Among the most common are the following:
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a response in places you can’t itch. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe solution, after all. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Ear infections can occur at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Really itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Addressing the infection with the help of your doctor 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 often reduce your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. So your spring hay fever could quickly translate into itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should talk to an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed 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 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 instances, hearing aids could even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a substantial amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can develop for numerous reasons. One reason is because of the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop immediately. 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.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the joy out of pretty much anything. Finding the right treatment, and getting sustained relief can be absolutely life changing. If you attempt to simply wait it out, you will probably extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you find that your itchy ears are driving you mad, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.