Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: The first thing you might think of 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 might spring to mind.
That’s kind of a terrible experience, isn’t it? Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a device that can get rid of itching inside of your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your everyday life
It may sound like a small issue, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least you’re not in terrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No big deal, if it only occurs once in a while. But what if your ears are always itchy? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly affected.
Maybe you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Or perhaps you try to overwhelm the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It stinks. But treatments and strategies do exist. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means knowing what causes them in the first place.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the solution? The solution for itchy ears is going to differ depending on the underlying cause. Your ears might be being affected by many underlying causes, as with many medical conditions. Here are a few of the most prevalent:
- Ear infections: Yes, the plain old ear infection may be the culprit behind your misery. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any age. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Together, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. Addressing the infection with the help of your doctor is the solution. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most effective results. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. This, as a result, can cause you to stop using your hearing aids as often, and that can be detrimental to 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 fits your ear better.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine, can alleviate itching caused by allergies. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching persists, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that’s difficult to get at. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe solution, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to create a copious amount of wax. You may be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are several reasons why blockages can develop. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop immediately. At any rate, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So making an appointment can help give you some relief.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much everything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. If you attempt to just wait it out, you will most likely extend your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will clear itself up.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you mad, make an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.