Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
You may consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you consider something you always wanted to do with your 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 may come to mind.
That’s so annoying! Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can get rid of itching in your ears. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t reach (no matter how hard you try). It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not surprising that itchy ears are probably driving you mad.
Itchy ears can impact your daily life
At first glance, it sounds like a minor thing. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only happens now and then. But if your ears are itchy constantly? It might end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and quit socializing 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 solutions and treatments. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means understanding what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the treatment? The solution for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are several possible underlying conditions that may be affecting your ears. Amongst the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to trigger itching. You can sometimes decrease your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic 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 continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for numerous reasons. One thing you should quit doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax difficulties. So making an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin condition can cause a reaction in places you can’t reach. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe solution, after all. If you have this kind 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. That’s how you get the best sound and the most effective results. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as often. The answer is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the cause of your itchy ears could be a normal ear infection. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can start to become inflamed. Really itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Addressing the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Itchy ears can take the joy out of pretty much anything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. Usually, these itchy ears will not go away on their own (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 extend your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Give us a call for a consultation.