We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: The first thing you might 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 manage to reach might come to mind.
That’s really frustrating! Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a device that can alleviate itching inside of your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you can’t physically reach (no matter how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t shocking that itchy ears are most likely driving you mad.
Your daily life can be affected by itchy ears
It may sound like a minor problem, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. No big deal, if it only occurs once in a while. But if your ears are itchy constantly? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly affected.
Maybe the experience is so unpleasant that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But treatments and strategies do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s causing that itch? And what’s the solution? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. Your ears could be being impacted by many underlying causes, as with many medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin disorder can cause a reaction in spots you can’t reach. You can even end up with something called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. It isn’t exactly easy to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. Again, your provider will be the best person to help you deal with skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine, can relieve itching due to allergies. It’s frequently challenging to determine precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can be caused by a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching lingers, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You might be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for a number of reasons. One thing you should quit doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax troubles. So making an appointment can help give you some relief.
- 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 strike at any time. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can take place. Extremely itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The solution is to talk to your doctor and manage the root infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will create the best returns and the best sound. 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 frequently, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much anything. Finding the correct treatment, and getting lasting relief can be completely life changing. Often, these itchy ears will not go away by themselves (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes forever), so there’s no point in attempting to wait it out, you’ll probably just extend your suffering.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you mad, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the regular, everyday activities you like.