We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
Okay, there are two ways to consider it: First, you think about something you always wanted to do with your life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, right? Feeling 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’s no device to get at it. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you physically can’t reach (regardless how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t shocking that itchy ears are most likely driving you mad.
Your everyday life can be impacted by itchy ears
On the surface, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least you’re not in terrible pain.
But think about it: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it happens now and then, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? It may end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It stinks. But there are solutions and treatments. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to finding the right treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what can you do about it? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. Your ears might be being affected by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You may be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can develop for a number of reasons. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop right away. At any rate, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not unusual for them to cause itching. You can sometimes decrease your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be a consequence of a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will create the best returns and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often. The answer is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. In some instances, hearing aids could even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection might be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can happen at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. In addition, the tissues in your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. The fix is to talk to your doctor and address the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that’s hard to get at. You can even end up with something called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe option, after all. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Pretty much every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. If you try to just wait it out, you will probably prolong your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you find that your itchy ears are driving you mad, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.