We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
Okay, there are two ways to consider it: The first thing you may think of is that bucket list item you just never seem to get to. Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s sort of a terrible experience, right? Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there’s no such device that can alleviate itching inside of your ears. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t surprising that itchy ears are probably driving you mad.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least you’re not in terrible pain.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. No big deal, if it only occurs from time to time. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? It might end up having a significant impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But treatments and solutions do exist. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means knowing what causes them in the first place.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s causing that itch? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with most other medical conditions, there are numerous possible underlying conditions that may be affecting your ears. Amongst the most common are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to generate a copious amount of wax. You might be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are a number of reasons why blockages can form. 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 get rid of any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can occur at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Very itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to consult your doctor and treat the root infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that’s difficult to get to. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. It isn’t exactly simple to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can relieve itching due to allergies. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can result from a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. An allergist will be the best place to look for a solution to this.
- 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 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. The answer is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of just about anything. Finding the best treatment, and getting sustained relief can be completely life changing. If you try to simply wait it out, you will likely prolong your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will go away on its own.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Call us for a consultation.