We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.
You may consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you consider something you always wanted to do with your life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s sort of a terrible experience, right? Having that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can relieve itching in your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you can’t physically reach (no matter how hard you try). It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are probably driving you nuts.
Itchy ears can affect your daily life
It may sound like a minor issue, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. No fuss, if it only happens now and then. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? It may end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Maybe you begin listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It stinks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering an appropriate treatment.
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 underlying cause. As with many other medical conditions, there are a number of possible root conditions that may be impacting your ears. Amongst the most prevalent are the following:
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin disorder can cause a response in spots you can’t reach. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your solutions are. It’s not exactly simple to slather 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.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most successful results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. This, as a result, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. The solution is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. You can often decrease your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It’s often difficult to figure out precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Ear infections: Yes, the regular old ear infection could be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can arise at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Really itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Addressing the infection with your doctor’s help is the solution. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to generate a prodigious amount of wax. You may be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for numerous reasons. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, 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 making an appointment with us.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of just about anything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. Usually, these itchy ears will not go away by themselves (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 decide that your itchy ears are driving you crazy, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the regular, everyday activities you like.
