We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
You might 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 example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach may come to mind.
That’s really aggravating! Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there isn’t any device to get at it. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside 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
On the surface, it sounds like a minor thing. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. If it occurs from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? It could end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the feeling is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But treatments and solutions do exist. Discovering the best way to address itchy ears means knowing what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s causing that itch? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with most other medical conditions, there are numerous possible root conditions that might be affecting your ears. Here are a few of the most prevalent:
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a reaction in spots you can’t itch. You can even end up with a condition called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe solution, after all. Again, your doctor will be the best person to help you manage skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will yield the best returns and the best sound. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as often. The solution is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can relieve itching due to allergies. It’s often challenging to figure out precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can be a consequence of a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. An allergist will be the best place to look for a solution to this.
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection may be the culprit behind your distress. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can occur. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. The solution is to talk to your doctor and address the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to produce a prodigious amount of wax. 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. 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.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Just about every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. If you try to simply wait it out, you will likely prolong your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will go away on its own.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.