We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: First, you consider something you always wanted to do in life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s so frustrating! Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Sadly, there’s no such device that can get rid of itching in your ears. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, someplace that you physically can’t reach (no matter how hard you try). If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Your everyday life can be affected by itchy ears
It might sound like a small problem, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only occurs now and then. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? It could end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so unpleasant that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you try to overwhelm the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It’s not at all fun. But there are solutions and treatments. Finding the best way to deal with itchy ears means knowing what causes them in the first place.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itching? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with most other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that could be affecting your ears. Amongst the most common are the following:
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. This will produce the best results and the best sound. But this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, at times, cause itching that’s 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. It’s not exactly convenient to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. You might be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are a number of reasons why blockages can form. One thing you should quit doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. At any rate, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So making an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. You can often decrease your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be caused by a large number of allergens, including pollen. So your spring hay fever could very easily become itchy ears. If the itching continues, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Ear infections: Yup, the regular old ear infection could be the culprit behind your misery. Ear infections can happen at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Really itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to talk to your doctor and address the underlying infection. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection clears up.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Itchy ears can take the joy out of just about anything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. If you attempt to just wait it out, you will most likely prolong your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Give us a call for a consultation.