We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Alright, 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 to. Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t manage to reach may come to mind.
That’s so aggravating! Having that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there isn’t any device to get at it. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
It might sound like a small problem, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to consider: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it occurs from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But if your ears are itchy all the time? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe you stay home and avoid interacting with friends. Maybe you begin listening to music at increasing volumes attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But there are solutions and treatments. Finding the best way to treat itchy ears means knowing what causes them to begin with.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itching? And what can be done about it? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that might be impacting your ears. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most successful results. But this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin condition can cause a response in spots you can’t reach. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe solution, after all. Once again, your doctor will be the best one to help you manage skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Ear infections can arise at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Together, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. The solution is to speak with your doctor and treat the root infection. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, can alleviate itching caused by allergies. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. So your spring hay fever could very easily become itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You might be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for numerous reasons. One thing you should stop doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax troubles. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Itchy ears can take the joy out of pretty much anything. Finding the right treatment, and getting sustained relief can be absolutely life changing. If you try to just wait it out, you will most likely prolong your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you nuts, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.