We’ve all experienced that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
You might think about this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do with your life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, isn’t it? Desperately trying to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there isn’t any device that will get at it. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. If you’re ear itches like this, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your everyday life
On the surface, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. No big deal, if it only happens once in a while. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly affected.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or seeing friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It sucks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Finding 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 why are your ears itchy? And what’s the treatment? The treatment for itchy ears is going to differ depending on the underlying cause. Your ears may be being impacted by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Amongst the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can ease itching due to allergies. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could quickly translate into itchy ears. 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 produce the best returns and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. 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 answer. In some instances, hearing aids may even be custom molded to custom fit your ears.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You may 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. At any rate, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the source of your itchy ears can be a regular ear infection. Ear infections can happen at any time in life but happen more frequently when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can start to become inflamed. Combined, this can result in trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and very itchy ears. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that is hard to get to. You can even find yourself with something called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe option, after all. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much anything. 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 isn’t likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Give us a call for a consultation.