We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
You might consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do with your life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach might come to mind.
That’s really aggravating! Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are most likely driving you crazy.
Your daily life can be impacted by itchy ears
It might sound like a small issue, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or on fire.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it occurs from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But if your ears are itchy constantly? It may end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Or perhaps you try to overwhelm the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It sucks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what can be done about it? The solution for itching ears is going to vary depending on the root cause. Your ears might be being affected by many root causes, as with many medical conditions. Amongst the most common are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You might 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 you’re doing that, you should stop immediately. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can alleviate itching caused by allergies. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic 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 continues, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Ear infections: That’s right, the cause of your itchy ears could be a normal ear infection. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Together, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. The fix is to consult your doctor and manage the root infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a response in spots you can’t reach. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. You should talk to your doctor about what your options are. It’s not exactly easy to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. This will produce the best returns and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. This, as a result, can cause you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. The solution is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the joy out of just about everything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. Usually, 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 trying to wait it out, you’ll probably just extend your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Call us for a consultation.