Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
You may think about this in a couple of different ways: First, you consider something you always wanted to do in life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s so annoying! Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there isn’t any device that will get at it. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you physically can’t reach (no matter how hard you try). If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
It might sound like a minor issue, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: There’s no relief 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 could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly affected.
Perhaps you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It sucks. But there are solutions and treatments. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering a suitable treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what can be done about it? The treatment for itching ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. Your ears may be being affected by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. You can often reduce your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It’s often hard to determine exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. So your spring hay fever could very easily become itchy ears. An allergist will be the right place to seek a solution to this.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will produce the best results and the best sound. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently. The answer is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any age. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Together, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. The solution is to consult your doctor and address the underlying infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You might be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can develop for a number of reasons. One thing you should quit doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax troubles. So scheduling an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a response in spots you can’t itch. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe solution, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of pretty much anything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. If you attempt to simply wait it out, you will most likely extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you nuts, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.