Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: First, you think about something you always wanted to do in life but you never got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s kind of a horrible experience, isn’t it? Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Sadly, there isn’t a device that can relieve itching inside of your ears. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t surprising that itchy ears are probably driving you nuts.
Itchy ears can affect your everyday life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it occurs once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? It might end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the feeling is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or seeing friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.
It stinks. But there are strategies and treatments. Discovering the best way to treat 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 itching? And what’s the solution? The solution for itching ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. Your ears could be being affected by many root causes, as with many medical conditions. Amongst the most common are the following:
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. That’s how you get the best sound and the most successful results. But this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as often. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s perfectly normal for your ears to produce a prodigious amount of wax. You may be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But this blockage can form for a number of reasons. One reason is because of the use of cotton swabs to “clean” your ears, so if you’re doing that, you should stop immediately. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax troubles. So scheduling an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. You can sometimes minimize your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It’s frequently challenging to figure out exactly what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching persists, 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 disorder called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your solutions are. It isn’t exactly convenient to smear your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
- Ear infections: Yup, the regular old ear infection might be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can occur at any age but happen more often when you’re younger. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. In addition, the tissues in your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Extremely itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to talk to your doctor and address the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Pretty much every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Finding the best treatment, and getting lasting relief can be absolutely life changing. If you try to simply wait it out, you will likely prolong your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Give us a call for a consultation.