Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
Alright, there are two ways to consider it: First, you consider something you always wanted to do with your life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s really annoying! Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there isn’t any device that will get at it. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where that itch is coming from. If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Your everyday life can be affected by itchy ears
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or throbbing.
Here’s something to consider: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. No big deal, if it only occurs once in a while. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? It could end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop eating out or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you try to overwhelm the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It sucks. But there are solutions and treatments. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to discovering a suitable treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible root conditions that may be affecting your ears. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the cause of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can arise at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. Along with fluid buildup, inflammation of the tissue can occur. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. The solution is to speak with your doctor and manage the underlying infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will create the best returns and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. This, as a result, can cause you to stop using 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 may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that is hard to get at. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. You should talk to your doctor about what your options are. It isn’t exactly easy to smear 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.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. 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 clear up most earwax blockages. So scheduling an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. You can often reduce your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It’s often difficult to identify exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can result from a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. So your spring hay fever could quickly become itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Itchy ears can take the fun out of just about everything. Finding the right treatment, and getting sustained relief can be completely life changing. Often, these itchy ears will not clear up 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 extend your suffering.
If you find that your itchy ears are driving you mad, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the regular, everyday activities you like.