Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
You may consider this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you might think of 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 spring to mind.
That’s really annoying! Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there isn’t any device that will get at it. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t 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 daily life can be impacted by itchy ears
It may sound like a minor issue, superficially. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it happens now and then, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But if your ears are itchy constantly? You might find yourself, and your quality of life, substantially impacted.
Maybe the sensation is so unpleasant 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 sucks. But there are solutions and treatments. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to discovering the right treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itchy? And what can be done about it? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. Your ears could be being impacted by many underlying causes, as with most medical conditions. Amongst the most common are the following:
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can arise at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Really itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Treating the infection with the help of your doctor is the answer. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will yield the best results and the best sound. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as often. The solution is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. In some cases, hearing aids may even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, at times, cause itching that’s difficult to get to. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. It’s not exactly convenient to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. You can often minimize your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as 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. So your spring hay fever could quickly translate into itchy ears. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. That’s because wax is good for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But this blockage can form for numerous reasons. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop immediately. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Pretty much 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 most 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. Call us for a consultation.