We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: First, you consider something you always wanted to do in life but you never got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach might spring to mind.
That’s so frustrating! Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Sadly, there’s no such device that can get rid of itching in your ears. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where that itch is coming from. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are most likely driving you nuts.
Your daily life can be impacted by itchy ears
It may sound like a small issue, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to think about: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. No fuss, if it only happens once in a while. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe you stay home and quit socializing with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It stinks. But there are strategies and treatments. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s causing that itch? And what’s the solution? The treatment for itchy ears is going to differ depending on the underlying cause. Your ears may be being impacted by many underlying causes, as with most medical conditions. Here are a few of the most common:
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will yield the best returns and the best sound. But this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as often. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can happen at any time in life but happen more often when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Really itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to talk to your doctor and manage the root infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection clears up.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to cause itching. You can often reduce your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine. It’s frequently challenging to identify precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction 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. An allergist will be the best place to seek a solution to this.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You may be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are several reasons why blockages can form. 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 clear up any earwax difficulties. So scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that is hard to get to. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your options are. It’s not exactly convenient to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much anything. Finding the right treatment, and getting lasting relief can be absolutely life changing. 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 extend your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.
