Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
You might think about this in a couple of different ways: The first thing you might think of is that bucket list item you just never seem to get to. Or, if you’re a little less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.
That’s really frustrating! Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.
Sadly, there’s no such device that can get rid of itching in your ears. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Itchy ears can impact your daily life
It may sound like a small issue, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it occurs from time to time, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But what if your ears are always itchy? It could end up having a real impact on your quality of life.
Maybe the feeling is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Or perhaps you attempt to overwhelm the sensation by listening to overly loud music.
It stinks. But treatments and strategies do exist. Finding the best way to treat itchy ears means knowing what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s the cause of that itch? And what can you do about it? The treatment for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the underlying cause. Your ears could be being impacted by many root causes, as with many medical conditions. Here are a few of the most common:
- Ear infections: Yes, the regular old ear infection might be the culprit behind your distress. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. At the same time, the tissues in your ears can begin to swell (thank you, inflammation). Together, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and really itchy ears. Addressing the infection with the help of your doctor is the answer. Your ears will usually stop itching when the infection goes away.
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to produce a prodigious amount of wax. That’s because wax is good for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But there are several reasons why blockages can form. One thing you should quit doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax troubles. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Allergies: Allergies can frequently cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, like an antihistamine, can ease itching caused by allergies. It’s frequently difficult to figure out precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could very easily translate into itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. That’s how you get the best sound and the most successful results. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently. Schedule 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.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that is difficult to get to. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your options are. It’s not exactly convenient to slather your ear canal with moisturizer, after all, nor would we ever recommend you try. Again, your doctor will be the best one to help you treat skin conditions that trigger itchy ears!
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Just about every activity becomes less enjoyable with itchy ears. Finding the best treatment, and getting sustained relief can be completely life changing. Usually, these itchy ears will not go away 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 likely just extend your suffering.
If you decide that your itchy ears are driving you nuts, make an appointment with us so you can stop thinking about the itch, and get back to the regular, everyday activities you like.