We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
Alright, there are two ways to consider it: The first thing you might think about is that bucket list item you just never seem to get to. 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 sort of a horrible experience, right? Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where it’s itching. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t surprising that itchy ears are probably driving you mad.
Itchy ears can impact your everyday life
On the surface, it sounds like a small thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you aren’t in terrible pain.
Here’s something to consider: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. No fuss, if it only occurs now and then. But if your ears are itchy all the time? It might end up having a significant impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Maybe you start listening to louder and louder music trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It stinks. But there are strategies and treatments. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means knowing what causes them to begin with.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the solution? The treatment for itching ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that could be affecting your ears. Here are a few of the most prevalent:
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears could be a regular ear infection. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any time. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. Along with accumulation of fluid, inflammation of the tissue can take place. Together, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. The solution is to speak with your doctor and address the underlying infection. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. You can often reduce your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine. It’s frequently challenging to identify precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. So your spring hay fever could very easily translate into itchy ears. An allergist will be the best place to look for a solution to this.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, at times, cause itching that’s hard to get at. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe solution, after all. Once again, your provider will be the best one to help you treat skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to produce a prodigious amount of wax. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can develop for numerous reasons. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop right away. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax difficulties. So making an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the best sound and the most successful results. But this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. This, in turn, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. The solution is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. In some instances, hearing aids may even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much everything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the proper treatment. Usually, these itchy ears will not go away on their own (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes ages), so there’s no point in attempting to wait it out, you’ll likely just extend your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Give us a call for a consultation.