Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
Alright, there are two ways to consider it: The first thing you may think about is that bucket list item you just never seem to get done. Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s really frustrating! Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. No matter 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 like this, 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 just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or on fire.
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 always itchy? It could end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the experience is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or seeing friends. Maybe you start listening to louder and louder music attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But there are solutions and treatments. Discovering the best way to address 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’s the treatment? The treatment for itching ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. As with most other medical conditions, there are several possible underlying conditions that might be impacting your ears. Amongst the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not uncommon for them to trigger itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine, can relieve itching caused by allergies. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. So your spring hay fever could very easily become itchy ears. If the itching persists, you should talk to an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Ear infections: Yup, the regular old ear infection might be the culprit behind your distress. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any time. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. In addition, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to become inflamed. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and extremely itchy ears. The solution is to talk to your doctor and treat the root infection. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. This will yield the best returns and the best sound. But this snug fit can lead to 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 frequently, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We might 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. You can even find yourself with a condition called ear dandruff. You should speak with your doctor about what your solutions are. It isn’t exactly simple to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. Once again, your doctor will be the best person to help you deal with skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to create a prodigious amount of wax. You might be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are several reasons why blockages can develop. One thing you should quit doing right away 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.
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 correct treatment. If you attempt to just wait it out, you will probably extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you nuts, make an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you enjoy.
