We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Alright, there are two ways to consider it: First, you think about something you always wanted to do with your life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for example). 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 really aggravating! Having 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 in your ears. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where that itch is coming from. If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
It may sound like a small problem, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least you aren’t in horrible pain.
But think about it: 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 all the time? It could end up having a significant impact on your quality of life.
Perhaps you stay home and avoid interacting with friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But treatments and solutions do exist. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering an appropriate treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the solution? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. Your ears may be being affected by many underlying causes, as with most medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating 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 form 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 clear up any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that is hard to get to. There’s even a condition 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 practical or safe option, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. You can sometimes minimize your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. So your spring hay fever could quickly translate into itchy ears. An allergist will be the right place to look for a solution to this.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most successful results. But this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as often. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. In some cases, hearing aids may even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
- Ear infections: Yup, the regular old ear infection might be the culprit behind your misery. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. In addition, the tissues in your ears can start to become inflamed. Very itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Addressing the infection with the help of your doctor is the solution. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much everything. Finding the correct treatment, and getting sustained relief can be completely life changing. 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 attempting to wait it out, you’ll probably just prolong your suffering.
If you find that your itchy ears are driving you mad, make an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.