We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Okay, there are two ways to consider it: The first thing you may think about is that bucket list item you just never seem to get done. Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s so annoying! Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you physically can’t reach (no matter how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are most likely driving you mad.
Itchy ears can impact your daily life
On the surface, it sounds like a small thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you aren’t in terrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it occurs now and then, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But if your ears are itchy all the time? It could end up having a significant impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the experience is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or seeing friends. Or perhaps you try to overwhelm 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 step to discovering an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the treatment? The treatment for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. Your ears may be being impacted by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Amongst the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. You can often decrease your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could quickly become itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the best sound and the most effective results. But this snug fit can lead to 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 frequently, and that can be bad for your hearing. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. In some cases, hearing aids could even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You might be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for numerous reasons. One thing you should quit doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax difficulties. So scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, inflammation of the tissue can take place. Extremely itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to speak with your doctor and manage the underlying infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, at times, trigger itching that is difficult to get at. You can even find yourself with something called ear dandruff. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. It’s not exactly easy to smear 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 bet.
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 prolong your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.