We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to reach.
You may consider this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you may think about is that bucket list item you just never seem to get done. Or, that itchy spot on your back that you just can’t manage to reach might come to mind.
That’s so aggravating! Having that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.
Unfortunately, there’s no such device that can alleviate itching inside of your ears. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t shocking that itchy ears are probably driving you mad.
Itchy ears can impact your everyday life
On the surface, it sounds like a minor 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 fuss, if it only happens once in a while. But if your ears are itchy all the time? It might end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Perhaps you stay home and stop interacting with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It sucks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Finding the best way to deal with itchy ears means knowing what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s causing that itch? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are a number of possible root conditions that may be impacting your ears. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- Ear infections: Yes, the regular old ear infection could be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can occur at any age but happen more frequently when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with accumulation of fluid, inflammation of the tissue can happen. Really itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. Treating the infection with your doctor’s help is the answer. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. That’s because wax is good for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! 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 right away. At any rate, we should be able to clear up most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. This will produce the best results and the best sound. But this snug fit can turn into irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit properly. This, in turn, can cause you to stop using your hearing aids as often, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. You can often decrease your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It’s often hard to determine precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can be caused by a large number of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, at times, cause itching that’s hard to get to. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. You should speak with your doctor about what your options are. It’s not exactly convenient to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever suggest you try. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
Finding relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the fun out of pretty much anything. Finding the correct treatment, and getting sustained relief can be absolutely life changing. If you try to just wait it out, you will likely extend your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will go away on its own.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you nuts, make an appointment with us so you can stop focusing on the itch, and get back to the normal, everyday activities you like.