We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: First, you consider something you always wanted to do in life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach may spring to mind.
That’s kind of a terrible experience, right? Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can get rid of itching in your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you can’t physically reach (no matter how hard you try). If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more frustrating than that spot on your back.
Your everyday life can be impacted by itchy ears
It may sound like a small problem, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you’re not in terrible pain.
Here’s something to consider: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. No big deal, if it only happens now and then. But if your ears are itchy constantly? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, considerably affected.
Maybe the feeling is so uncomfortable that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But there are solutions and treatments. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s causing that itch? And what’s the solution? The solution for itching ears is going to differ depending on the root cause. Your ears may be being impacted by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But there are several reasons why blockages can form. One thing you should quit doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will produce the best results and the best sound. But this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. This, as a result, can cause you to stop using your hearing aids as often, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin disorder can cause a reaction in places you can’t reach. You can even find yourself with a condition called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. It’s not exactly convenient to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. Again, your doctor will be the best person to help you treat skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine, can ease itching caused by allergies. 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 easily come from your spring hay fever. An allergist will be the best place to seek a solution to this.
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears could be a regular ear infection. Ear infections can occur at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to become inflamed. Extremely itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Addressing the infection with your doctor’s help is the solution. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Pretty much every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Finding the correct treatment, and getting lasting relief can be completely life changing. 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 trying to wait it out, you’ll probably just prolong your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Give us a call for a consultation.