Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: First, you think about something you always wanted to do with your life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for example). 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 sort of a terrible experience, right? Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy 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. Regardless of 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.
Your everyday life can be impacted by itchy ears
It may sound like a small issue, superficially. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to consider: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. No fuss, if it only happens once in a while. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly affected.
Maybe the experience is so uncomfortable that you stop eating out or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It stinks. But treatments and strategies do exist. Knowing 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 why are your ears itching? And what’s the solution? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are several possible underlying conditions that could be affecting your ears. Amongst the most common are the following:
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. This will produce the best results and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently. 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.
- 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 immediately. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax troubles. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection could be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can arise at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can take place. Really itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the solution. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection clears up.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that is difficult to get to. You can even end up with something called ear dandruff. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe option, after all. Again, your doctor will be the best one to help you treat skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine, can alleviate itching due to allergies. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can result from a large number of allergens, including pollen. So your spring hay fever could very easily translate into itchy ears. An allergist will be the best place to look for a solution to this.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much anything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the proper treatment. If you try to just wait it out, you will likely 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 nuts, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the regular, everyday activities you enjoy.
