Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
Okay, there are two ways to consider it: 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 seem to reach may come to mind.
That’s really annoying! Desperately trying 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 isn’t any device to get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t reach (regardless how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are probably driving you nuts.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
It might sound like a small issue, superficially. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to think about: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. No big deal, if it only happens now and then. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? It might end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe you stay home and stop socializing with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It stinks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first measure to finding a suitable treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the solution? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. Your ears might be being affected by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Here are a few of the most prevalent:
- Ear infections: Yes, the regular 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. In addition, the tissues in your ears can begin to become inflamed. Really itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to consult your doctor and manage the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. You can sometimes reduce your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine. 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. So your spring hay fever could very easily translate into itchy ears. An allergist will be the right place to look for a solution to this.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most effective results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn to irritation and itchiness. This, as a result, can cause you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. Making 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: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a response in places you can’t reach. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your solutions are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe solution, after all. Again, your provider will be the best one to help you treat skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to produce a prodigious amount of wax. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But there are several reasons why blockages can form. One reason is due to the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if that’s happening, you should stop immediately. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
Getting 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 proper treatment. Usually, these itchy ears will not clear up on their own (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes forever), so there’s no point in trying to wait it out, you’ll probably just prolong your suffering.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.