Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
You may consider this in a couple of different ways: First, you think about something you always wanted to do in life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for instance). Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t seem to reach might spring to mind.
That’s sort of a terrible experience, right? Feeling that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.
Unfortunately, there’s no such device that can relieve itching in your ears. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where that itch is coming from. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t shocking that itchy ears are probably driving you crazy.
Your everyday life can be affected by itchy ears
It may sound like a minor issue, superficially. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t aching or burning or throbbing.
Here’s something to think about: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it happens once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But what if your ears are constantly itchy? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly affected.
Maybe the feeling is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It sucks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to discovering the right treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the solution? The treatment for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the root cause. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible root conditions that might be impacting your ears. Here are some of the most common:
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. In some instances, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine, can ease itching due to allergies. It’s often 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 quickly come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that’s hard to get to. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can happen. You should consult your doctor about what your solutions are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe solution, after all. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
- Ear infections: Yup, the plain old ear infection might be the reason for your misery. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. Along with accumulation of fluid, inflammation of the tissue can occur. Very itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Addressing the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection clears up.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will create the best returns and the best sound. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. This, as a result, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. The answer is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- 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 this blockage can form for a number of reasons. One thing you should stop doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax troubles. So scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the joy out of pretty much everything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the proper treatment. If you try to simply wait it out, you will probably extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Call us for a consultation.