We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Alright, there are two ways to consider it: First, you think about something you always wanted to do in life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach may come to mind.
That’s sort of a horrible experience, right? Desperately trying 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 in your ears. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where that itch is coming from. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are probably driving you mad.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
At first glance, it sounds like a minor thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only happens now and then. But if your ears are itchy all the time? You might find yourself, and your quality of life, substantially impacted.
Maybe you stay home and stop socializing with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It sucks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Finding the best way to treat itchy ears means knowing what causes them to begin with.
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 differ depending on the root cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are numerous possible root conditions that might be impacting your ears. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine, can relieve itching caused by allergies. It’s frequently difficult to determine precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching lingers, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But this blockage can develop for a number of reasons. One thing you should stop doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax difficulties. So scheduling an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin disorder can cause a response in places you can’t itch. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can occur. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe option, after all. Once again, your doctor will be the best person to help you deal with skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. That’s how you get the best sound and the most effective results. 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 often, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. The answer 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.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with accumulation of fluid, inflammation of the tissue can take place. Very itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The solution is to talk to your doctor and treat the root infection. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of just about everything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the proper treatment. If you try to just wait it out, you will most likely prolong your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.