Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
Okay, there are two ways to think about it: First, you think about something you always wanted to do in 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 may come to mind.
That’s sort of a terrible experience, isn’t it? Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can get rid of itching inside of your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t reach (regardless how hard you try). If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your everyday life
It may sound like a small problem, superficially. It’s only 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 all the time? It could end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the feeling is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or seeing friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It’s not fun at all. But there are strategies and treatments. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding a suitable treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are several possible underlying conditions that could be impacting your ears. Here are some of the most common:
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to generate a copious amount of wax. That’s because wax is good for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But this blockage can form for numerous reasons. One reason is because of the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop right away. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. You can often reduce your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be a consequence of a large number of allergens, including pollen. So your spring hay fever could very easily translate into itchy ears. If the itching continues, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that’s difficult to get at. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. It isn’t exactly convenient to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- 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. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. The fix is to talk to your doctor and treat the root infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the best sound and the most effective results. 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 wearing your hearing aids as frequently. The answer is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. In some situations, hearing aids could even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Just about every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. If you attempt to simply wait it out, you will likely prolong your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you find that your itchy ears are driving you nuts, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you like.