We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Okay, there are two ways to think about it: The first thing you might 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 kind of a terrible experience, right? Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where that itch is coming from. If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Your daily life can be impacted by itchy ears
On the surface, it sounds like a minor thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it happens once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But what if your ears are always itchy? It could end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the feeling is so uncomfortable that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Maybe you start listening to louder and louder music trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But treatments and strategies do exist. Discovering the best way to deal with itchy ears means knowing what causes them in the first place.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the treatment? The solution for itching ears is going to differ depending on the underlying cause. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible underlying conditions that could be impacting your ears. Here are some of the most common:
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the best sound and the most effective results. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. This, as a result, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often, and that can be bad for your hearing. The answer is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to cause itching. You can often reduce your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine. It’s frequently hard to determine exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can result from a wide variety 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: Yes, the plain old ear infection might be the culprit behind your misery. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can begin to become inflamed. Together, this can lead to 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: If your ears are producing a substantial amount of wax, that’s not unusual. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But this blockage can form for a number of reasons. One reason is because of the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop immediately. At any rate, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that’s hard to get at. You can even find yourself with a condition called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe option, after all. Once again, your provider will be the best person to help you treat skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
Getting relief for your itchy ears
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 go away by themselves (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes ages), so there’s no point in attempting to wait it out, you’ll probably just extend your suffering.
If you decide 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 normal, everyday activities you enjoy.