We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
You might consider this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you might think about is that bucket list item you just never seem to get to. Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, right? Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to 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. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more frustrating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your everyday life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
Here’s something to consider: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it occurs now and then, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? It may end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Maybe you begin listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But there are strategies and treatments. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding the right treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itching? And what can be done about it? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that may be affecting your ears. Here are a few of the most common:
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to produce a copious amount of wax. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form 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 clear up most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most successful results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often. The solution is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. In some situations, hearing aids may even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can occur at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. Along with accumulation of fluid, swelling of the tissue can happen. Extremely itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to speak with your doctor and manage the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that’s hard to get at. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe option, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- 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 ease itching due to allergies. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could very easily translate into itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the joy out of pretty much everything. Finding the right treatment, and getting lasting relief can be completely life changing. If you attempt to simply wait it out, you will probably extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Call us for a consultation.