Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
You might think about this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you may think of is that bucket list item you just never seem to get done. Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach may spring to mind.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, isn’t it? Feeling that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there’s no device that will get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you can’t physically reach (no matter how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not surprising that itchy ears are probably driving you crazy.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
It may sound like a minor problem, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you aren’t in horrible pain.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it happens from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe the experience is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or spending time with friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But there are solutions and treatments. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to finding an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the solution? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. Your ears could be being affected by many root causes, as with many medical conditions. Here are some of the most common:
- Ear infections: That’s right, the cause of your itchy ears can be a normal ear infection. 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 occur. Very itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The solution is to talk to your doctor and manage the underlying infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. This will create the best returns 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 impacted if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. In some instances, hearing aids may even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But there are several reasons why blockages can form. 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 clear up most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. You can often minimize your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly 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: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a response in places you can’t reach. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. It isn’t exactly simple to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the joy out of pretty much everything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the correct treatment. 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.
If you find that your itchy ears are driving you mad, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the regular, everyday activities you like.
