We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
You might consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do with your life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t manage to reach might come to mind.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, isn’t it? Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace 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 most likely driving you crazy.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it occurs from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? You might find yourself, and your quality of life, considerably impacted.
Maybe you stay home and quit socializing with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It sucks. But there are strategies and treatments. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to finding an appropriate treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s causing that itch? And what can you do about it? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. Your ears might be being impacted by many underlying causes, as with many medical conditions. Among the most common are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But there are several reasons why blockages can form. One thing you should stop doing immediately 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 making an appointment with us.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. You can sometimes decrease your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It’s often hard to figure out exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can be a consequence of 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.
- Ear infections: That’s right, the cause of your itchy ears could be a regular ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and extremely itchy ears. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- 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 when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently. The solution is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. In some cases, hearing aids could even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that is difficult to get to. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can happen. You should speak with your doctor about 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 manage skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Pretty much every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the proper treatment. Often, these itchy ears will not clear up 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 crazy, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.