Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
Alright, there are two ways to consider it: First, you consider something you always wanted to do in life but you never got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s really aggravating! Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not surprising that itchy ears are probably driving you nuts.
Your everyday life can be affected by itchy ears
It may sound like a small issue, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it occurs once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, substantially impacted.
Maybe the experience is so unpleasant that you stop going out for dinner or seeing friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It stinks. But treatments and strategies do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what can be done about it? The solution for itching ears is going to vary depending on the root cause. Your ears may be being impacted by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Among the most common are the following:
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can arise at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can occur. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. Treating the infection with the help of your doctor is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for a number of reasons. One thing you should quit doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will create the best results and the best sound. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. In some instances, hearing aids may even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine, can ease itching due to allergies. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. An allergist will be the right place to look for a solution to this.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, at times, trigger itching that’s hard to get to. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. You should talk to your doctor about what your solutions are. It isn’t exactly simple to smear 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 comfort
Itchy ears can take the fun out of just about anything. Finding the best treatment, and getting lasting relief can be completely life changing. If you attempt to just wait it out, you will probably extend your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will clear itself up.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you nuts, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.
