We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
You might consider this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you may think about is that bucket list item you just never seem to get done. Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach may spring to mind.
That’s kind of a terrible experience, right? 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. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you can’t physically reach (no matter how hard you try). If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Your daily life can be impacted by itchy ears
It might sound like a small problem, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least you aren’t in horrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No big deal, if it only happens once in a while. But if your ears are itchy all the time? It may end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Perhaps you stay home and stop socializing with friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It sucks. But there are strategies and treatments. Finding the best way to treat itchy ears means understanding what causes them in the first place.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the treatment? The solution for itchy ears is going to differ depending on the root cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that might be impacting your ears. Here are a few of the most prevalent:
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, can alleviate itching due to allergies. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be a consequence of a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. So your spring hay fever could very easily become itchy ears. An allergist will be the right place to look for a solution to this.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are several reasons why blockages can develop. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop immediately. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax troubles. So making an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin condition can cause a response in spots you can’t itch. You can even end up with something called ear dandruff. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe option, after all. If you have this type 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 create the best returns and the best sound. 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 using your hearing aids as often, and that can be bad for your hearing. The answer is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. In some instances, hearing aids could even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears can 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). Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. The solution is to speak with your doctor and treat the underlying infection. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of just about anything. Finding the right treatment, and getting lasting relief can be absolutely life changing. Often, these itchy ears will not clear up by themselves (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 prolong your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Give us a call for a consultation.