We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
You may 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 manage to reach may come to mind.
That’s kind of a terrible experience, right? Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a device that can relieve itching in your ears. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where it’s itching. If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
On the surface, it sounds like a small thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it happens once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? You might find yourself, and your quality of life, substantially impacted.
Maybe the feeling is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It stinks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means understanding what causes them in the first place.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itching? And what’s the solution? The solution for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the root cause. Your ears may be being affected by many underlying causes, as with most medical conditions. Here are some of the most common:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. 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 immediately. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can relieve itching due to allergies. It’s often difficult to figure out precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could very easily become itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that is hard to get to. You can even end up with something called ear dandruff. You should talk to your doctor about what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe option, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears could be a regular ear infection. Ear infections can occur at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can start to swell (thank you, inflammation). Together, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. The fix is to talk to your doctor and treat the root infection. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection clears up.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. This will yield the best results and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as often. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the joy out of just about everything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the correct 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.
If you find 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 normal, everyday activities you like.