Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
Alright, there are two ways to think about it: First, you consider 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 may spring to mind.
That’s kind of a terrible 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.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there’s no device to get at it. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where it’s itching. It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are most likely driving you mad.
Itchy ears can impact your daily life
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
Here’s something to think about: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t do anything about it. If it happens once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are always itchy? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe the feeling is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you try to overwhelm the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It stinks. But treatments and strategies do exist. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to finding an appropriate treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the solution? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. Your ears might be being affected by many root causes, as with many medical conditions. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, can alleviate itching due to allergies. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching continues, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a substantial 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 reason is due to 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 difficulties. So making an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit in your ears snugly. This will yield 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. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently. 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 fits your ear better.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin condition can cause a reaction in places you can’t reach. You can even find yourself with something called ear dandruff. Your doctor will be able to help you understand what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe solution, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best option.
- Ear infections: Yes, the plain old ear infection may be the reason for your distress. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. 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. The solution is to speak with your doctor and treat the root infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of just about everything. Your life can actually be changed by getting relief with the correct treatment. If you try to just wait it out, you will likely prolong your suffering because it’s not 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.