We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
You might think about this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you may think of is that bucket list item you just never seem to get done. Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach may come to mind.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, isn’t it? Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there’s no such device that can get rid of itching inside of your ears. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t reach (regardless how hard you try). It’s even 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
It may sound like a small problem, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only occurs once in a while. But if your ears are itchy all the time? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly affected.
Perhaps you stay home and quit interacting with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It stinks. But there are solutions and treatments. Finding the best way to treat itchy ears means knowing what causes them in the first place.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s causing that itch? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are a number of possible root conditions that might be impacting your ears. Here are a few of the most common:
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can alleviate itching caused by allergies. It’s often difficult to determine precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could very easily translate into itchy ears. An allergist will be the best place to look for a solution to this.
- Ear infections: Yup, the regular old ear infection might be the culprit behind your misery. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any age. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. Along with accumulation of fluid, inflammation of the tissue can take place. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and extremely itchy ears. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the solution. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly 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 several reasons why blockages can develop. One reason is because of the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop right away. At any rate, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that is hard to get at. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe solution, after all. Again, your provider will be the best one to help you treat skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- 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 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 affected if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. In some cases, hearing aids may even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much everything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the correct treatment. If you try to simply wait it out, you will most likely extend your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will go away on its own.
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.
