We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
You might consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do with your life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t manage to reach might spring to mind.
That’s so frustrating! Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you can’t physically reach (no matter how hard you try). 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
It may sound like a minor problem, superficially. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it happens now and then, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But if your ears are itchy constantly? It might end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Maybe you start listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It stinks. But there are solutions and treatments. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means understanding 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 solution? The treatment for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that may be impacting your ears. Amongst the most prevalent are the following:
- Ear infections: Yes, the regular old ear infection could be the culprit behind your misery. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can happen. Very itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to create a prodigious amount of wax. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But this blockage can develop for numerous reasons. One thing you should quit doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So making an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will yield the best results and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. 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 fits your ear better.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. You can sometimes minimize your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. So your spring hay fever could quickly translate into itchy ears. An allergist will be the best place to look for a solution to this.
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin condition can cause a reaction in places you can’t reach. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your options are. It isn’t exactly simple to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. Again, your doctor will be the best one to help you deal with skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Pretty much every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Finding the best treatment, and getting lasting relief can be absolutely life changing. If you try to simply wait it out, you will probably 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 mad, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the regular, everyday activities you like.