Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: The first thing you might 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 seem to reach might come to mind.
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 invented back-scratchers.
Sadly, there’s no such device that can relieve itching in your ears. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where it’s itching. If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
On the surface, it sounds like a minor thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you aren’t in horrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it occurs once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But if your ears are itchy constantly? It may end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so unpleasant that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It sucks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Finding the best way to deal with itchy ears means knowing what causes them in the first place.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itching? And what can you do about it? The solution for itchy ears is going to differ depending on the underlying cause. As with many other medical conditions, there are a number of possible root conditions that may be impacting your ears. Here are a few of the most prevalent:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But this blockage can develop for numerous reasons. One reason is because of the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop immediately. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax troubles. So making an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a response in places you can’t reach. You can even find yourself with a condition called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe solution, after all. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. You can sometimes reduce your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It’s frequently challenging to identify precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. An allergist will be the right place to look for a solution to this.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will yield the best returns and the best sound. But this snug fit can lead to 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. The solution is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Ear infections: Yes, the plain old ear infection could be the culprit behind your misery. Ear infections can happen at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. Along with accumulation of fluid, swelling of the tissue can happen. Very itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Treating the infection with the help of your doctor is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Just about every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the proper treatment. 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.
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 normal, everyday activities you like.
