Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
Okay, there are two ways to think about it: The first thing you may think about is that bucket list item you just never seem to get to. Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach might come to mind.
That’s really annoying! Feeling that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. It’s the reason 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, somewhere that you physically can’t 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 probably driving you nuts.
Your everyday life can be affected by itchy ears
It may sound like a small issue, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least you aren’t in horrible pain.
Here’s something to consider: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it occurs once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, considerably impacted.
Perhaps you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It sucks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to finding a suitable treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itching? And what can be done about it? The solution for itching ears is going to differ depending on the root cause. Your ears may be being impacted by many root causes, as with many medical conditions. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can begin to become inflamed. Very itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The solution is to talk to your doctor and treat the root infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection clears up.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that’s difficult to get to. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. You should talk to your doctor about what your options are. It isn’t exactly convenient to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. Once again, your doctor will be the best person to help you manage skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. You can sometimes reduce your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine. It’s often hard to figure out precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching persists, you should talk to an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to produce a copious amount of wax. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But there are several reasons why blockages can form. 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 you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. 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 correctly. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often. The solution is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. In some cases, hearing aids may even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Just about every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Finding the best treatment, and getting sustained relief can be absolutely life changing. If you try to just wait it out, you will most likely 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 regular, everyday activities you like.