We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
Okay, there are two ways to think about it: First, you consider 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 scratch.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, isn’t it? Feeling that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a device that can alleviate itching inside of your ears. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your everyday life
It may sound like a minor issue, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
Here’s something to consider: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it happens once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? It might end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and avoid interacting with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But there are strategies and treatments. Discovering the best way to deal with itchy ears means knowing what causes them in the first place.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itching? And what can you do about it? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are several possible root conditions that might be affecting your ears. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most effective results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, 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 solution is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a substantial amount of wax, that’s not unusual. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But this blockage can form 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 clear up most earwax blockages. So making an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin condition can cause a response in places you can’t itch. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe option, after all. Once again, your provider will be the best one to help you manage skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to trigger itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, can alleviate itching caused by allergies. It’s often hard to determine exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can be caused by a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching lingers, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears could be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can happen at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, inflammation of the tissue can take place. Together, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and extremely itchy ears. The solution is to speak with your doctor and manage the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Pretty much every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. If you try to simply wait it out, you will most likely extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you decide 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 regular, everyday activities you like.