Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
You may consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do in life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s really aggravating! Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device that will get at it. No matter 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 irritating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your daily life
It may sound like a small problem, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least you aren’t in horrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only occurs once in a while. But what if your ears are always itchy? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe the sensation is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or spending time with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It sucks. But treatments and strategies do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding an appropriate treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s causing that itch? And what can be done about it? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that could be impacting your ears. Amongst the most prevalent are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to generate a copious amount of wax. You may be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for numerous reasons. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop right away. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax troubles. So scheduling an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to cause itching. You can sometimes reduce your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine. It’s frequently difficult to identify exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that’s hard to get to. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. It’s not exactly simple to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
- 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 wearing your hearing aids as often. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Ear infections: Yup, the regular old ear infection could be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can happen at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can happen. Really itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to consult your doctor and manage the root infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection clears up.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
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 prolong your suffering.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you crazy, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you like.