Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
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 example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t manage to reach might spring to mind.
That’s really aggravating! Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy 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, 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 irritating than that spot on your back.
Your daily life can be impacted by itchy ears
It might sound like a minor problem, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least you aren’t in terrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it occurs once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But if your ears are itchy constantly? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Maybe you start listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But there are strategies and treatments. Discovering the best way to address itchy ears means knowing what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itching? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible root conditions that might be impacting your ears. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a substantial amount of wax, that’s not unusual. 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 quit doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax troubles. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Ear infections: That’s right, the cause of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Ear infections can occur at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Together, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and extremely itchy ears. Treating the infection with the help of your doctor is the answer. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. You can sometimes reduce your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It’s often hard to determine precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can result from 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.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, at times, cause itching that’s difficult to get to. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. You should speak with your doctor about what your options are. It’s not exactly simple to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. This will produce the best results and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. This, in turn, can cause you to stop using your hearing aids as often, and that can be bad for your hearing. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. In some situations, hearing aids could even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Just about every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. If you attempt to just wait it out, you will probably prolong your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.
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.