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 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 spring to mind.
That’s kind of a terrible experience, isn’t it? Feeling that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there’s no such device that can get rid of itching inside of your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t reach (regardless how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are probably driving you crazy.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
It might sound like a minor issue, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only happens now and then. But what if your ears are always itchy? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, substantially affected.
Perhaps you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It sucks. But treatments and strategies do exist. Finding the best way to address itchy ears means knowing what causes them to begin with.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s causing that itch? And what can you do about it? The treatment for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible root conditions that could be affecting your ears. Here are a few of the most common:
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine, can ease itching caused by allergies. It’s often difficult to identify precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could quickly become itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that is hard to get to. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can occur. You should talk to your doctor about what your options are. It isn’t exactly simple to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. Again, your provider will be the best one to help you treat skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. This will create the best results and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as often. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection might be the reason for your distress. Ear infections can occur at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with accumulation of fluid, inflammation of the tissue can occur. Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to generate a copious amount of wax. You may be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can develop for numerous reasons. One thing you should quit doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So making an appointment can help bring you some relief.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the joy out of just about everything. Finding the right treatment, and getting lasting relief can be completely life changing. If you try to simply wait it out, you will probably extend your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Call us for a consultation.