Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
You may think about this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you might 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 might spring to mind.
That’s sort of a horrible experience, right? Feeling that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Unfortunately, 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 physically can’t reach (no matter how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t surprising that itchy ears are probably driving you mad.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. If it happens now and then, 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 affected.
Maybe the feeling is so unpleasant that you stop going out for dinner or seeing friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It sucks. But there are strategies 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 what’s causing that itch? And what can you do about it? The solution for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the root cause. Your ears could be being impacted by many underlying causes, as with many medical conditions. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a substantial amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. That’s because wax is good for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But this blockage can form for a number of reasons. One thing you should stop doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can alleviate itching caused by allergies. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. An allergist will be the best place to look for a solution to this.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will yield the best results 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 often. The answer is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin condition can cause a response in spots you can’t reach. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can occur. You should consult your doctor about what your options are. It isn’t exactly easy to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. Again, your provider will be the best one to help you deal with skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- Ear infections: Yup, the regular old ear infection may be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can arise at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can occur. Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. Treating the infection with the help of your doctor is the answer. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
Getting 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 just wait it out, you will most likely extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will go away on its own.
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 normal, everyday activities you like.