We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: First, you consider something you always wanted to do in life but you never got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach may come to mind.
That’s really aggravating! Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there isn’t any device to get at it. Regardless of 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.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
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.
But think about it: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. No big deal, if it only happens from time to time. But if your ears are itchy all the time? It could end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Perhaps you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overpower the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It stinks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding an appropriate treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the treatment? The treatment for itching ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. Your ears may be being affected by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to trigger itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, can alleviate itching caused by allergies. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, exactly 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 very easily translate into itchy ears. An allergist will be the right place to seek a solution to this.
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection could be the reason for your misery. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any age. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, inflammation of the tissue can occur. Really itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to consult your doctor and manage the root infection. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to produce a prodigious 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 form. One thing you should stop doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. At any rate, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- 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 correctly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that is difficult to get at. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your options are. It isn’t exactly convenient to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of just about everything. Finding the right treatment, and getting sustained relief can be completely life changing. Usually, these itchy ears will not go away on their own (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes forever), so there’s no point in trying to wait it out, you’ll probably just extend your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.
