Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
You might think about this in a couple of different ways: First, you consider something you always wanted to do with your life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t manage to reach might come to mind.
That’s really aggravating! Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there isn’t any device to get at it. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where that itch is coming from. If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Your everyday life can be affected by itchy ears
At first glance, it sounds like a minor thing. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only occurs from time to time. But what if your ears are always itchy? It may end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the feeling is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or seeing friends. Maybe you begin listening to music at increasing volumes attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But treatments and strategies do exist. Discovering the best way to deal with itchy ears means understanding what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itching? And what’s the solution? The solution for itching ears is going to vary depending on the root cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible root conditions that could be affecting your ears. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any age. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. Along with accumulation of fluid, inflammation of the tissue can take place. Very itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The solution is to speak with your doctor and treat the underlying infection. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to cause itching. You can often minimize your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It’s often challenging to identify exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can result from a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. This will yield the best returns and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn to 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. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to produce a copious amount of wax. You might be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for a number of reasons. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop right away. At any rate, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin condition can cause a reaction in places you can’t reach. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. You should consult your doctor about what your options are. It’s not exactly easy to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. Again, your provider will be the best one to help you treat skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of just about anything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the correct treatment. Usually, these itchy ears will not clear up 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 likely 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 normal, everyday activities you like.