We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Okay, there are two ways to think about 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 manage to reach might spring to mind.
That’s so frustrating! Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
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 can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least you aren’t in terrible pain.
Here’s something to consider: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. No big deal, if it only happens from time to time. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? It might end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It’s not at all fun. But there are solutions and treatments. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to discovering an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the treatment? The solution for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. Your ears may be being impacted by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Ear infections: That’s right, the cause of your itchy ears can be a normal 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 in your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. Addressing the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are several reasons why blockages can form. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop immediately. At any rate, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So making an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. You can sometimes decrease your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching lingers, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a reaction in places you can’t itch. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can happen. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. Using 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 bet.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most successful results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. This, as a result, can cause you to stop using your hearing aids as often, and that can be bad for your hearing. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Just about every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the correct treatment. If you attempt to simply wait it out, you will likely extend your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will go away on its own.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.
