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 with your life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
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 have an itchy ear, there isn’t any device to get at it. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where that itch is coming from. If you’re ear itches in this way, 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 minor issue, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to consider: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only happens now and then. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? It might end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and quit socializing with friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It’s not fun at all. But treatments and solutions do exist. Finding the best way to address itchy ears means understanding what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the solution? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. Your ears could be being impacted by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Amongst the most common are the following:
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection could be the reason for your distress. Ear infections can occur at any age but happen more often when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. Along with accumulation of fluid, swelling of the tissue can happen. Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and extremely itchy ears. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not uncommon for them to trigger itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine, can alleviate itching due to allergies. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a large number of 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: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a response in places you can’t reach. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. You should speak with your doctor about what your solutions are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe option, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to generate a copious amount of wax. You might be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are a number of reasons why blockages can develop. 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 making an appointment with us.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. This will create 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. This, as a result, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often, and that can be bad for your hearing. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. In some instances, hearing aids may even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Pretty much every activity becomes less fun with itchy ears. Finding the right treatment, and getting lasting relief can be completely life changing. If you try to just wait it out, you will most likely prolong your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you crazy, schedule an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you like.