Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
You might consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you consider something you always wanted to do in life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach might come to mind.
That’s sort of a horrible experience, isn’t it? Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there isn’t any device that will get at it. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t shocking that itchy ears are probably driving you nuts.
Your daily life can be affected by itchy ears
It may sound like a minor issue, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it happens from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But if your ears are itchy all the time? It may end up having a significant affect on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and quit interacting with friends. Or perhaps you try to overwhelm the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It’s not at all fun. But treatments and strategies do exist. Finding the best way to deal with itchy ears means understanding what causes them in the first place.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible underlying conditions that may be impacting your ears. Here are a few of the most common:
- Ear infections: That’s right, the source of your itchy ears could be a normal ear infection. Ear infections can arise at any time in life but happen more often when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can start to become inflamed. Extremely itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Addressing the infection with your doctor’s help is the solution. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
- 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 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 wearing your hearing aids as often. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine, can ease itching caused by allergies. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be a consequence of a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching lingers, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to create a copious amount of wax. 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 quit doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax troubles. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin condition can cause a reaction 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 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 person to help you treat skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Itchy ears can take the joy out of pretty much everything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the correct treatment. If you try to just wait it out, you will probably prolong your suffering because it isn’t 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 thinking about the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.