We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
Okay, there are two ways to consider it: The first thing you may think about 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 might come to mind.
That’s sort of a terrible experience, right? Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can relieve itching in your ears. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where that itch is coming from. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t surprising that itchy ears are most likely driving you nuts.
Your everyday life can be affected by itchy ears
On the surface, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only occurs from time to time. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly affected.
Perhaps you stay home and stop interacting with friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It stinks. But there are strategies and treatments. Finding the best way to address itchy ears means understanding what causes them to begin with.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what can be done about it? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. Your ears might be being impacted by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine, can alleviate itching due to allergies. It’s frequently difficult to determine exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can be caused by a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will produce the best results and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. This, as a result, can cause you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. The answer is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to generate a prodigious 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 develop. One thing you should stop doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. At any rate, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the cause of your itchy ears could be a normal ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with accumulation of fluid, swelling of the tissue can happen. Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. Addressing the infection with the help of your doctor is the solution. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection clears up.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, at times, cause itching that is difficult to get to. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. You should speak with your doctor about what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe option, after all. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of just about anything. Finding the best treatment, and getting lasting relief can be completely life changing. Often, 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 prolong your suffering.
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.