Have you ever experienced an itch that you just couldn’t scratch?
Okay, there are two ways to think about it: The first thing you might 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 may spring to mind.
That’s sort 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 created back-scratchers.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there isn’t any device that will get at it. That itching sensation is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you physically can’t reach (no matter how hard you try). If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more irritating than that spot on your back.
Your everyday life can be impacted by itchy ears
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. It’s only itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. If it occurs now and then, sure, it’s not that big of a problem. But what if your ears are continuously itchy? It might end up having a real affect on your quality of life.
Maybe the sensation is so uncomfortable that you stop going out for dinner or spending time with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes attempting to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not at all fun. But there are solutions and treatments. Understanding what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to finding a suitable treatment.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itchy? And what can be done about it? Depending on the root cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are several possible root conditions that may be impacting your ears. Among the most common are the following:
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a substantial amount of wax, that’s not unusual. That’s because wax is good for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps clean them! But this blockage can form for a number of reasons. 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 get rid of any earwax difficulties. So scheduling an appointment can help give you some relief.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. 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 properly. Your hearing can be negatively impacted if this causes you to stop using your hearing aids as frequently. The solution is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. In some situations, hearing aids could even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
- Allergies: Allergies can sometimes cause itching. You can sometimes minimize your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can cause your ears to itch. So your spring hay fever could very easily translate into itchy ears. An allergist will be the best place to seek a solution to this.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin disorder can cause a reaction in places you can’t reach. You can even find yourself with a condition called ear dandruff. You should consult your doctor about what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe option, after all. If you have this kind of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Ear infections: That’s correct, the cause of your itchy ears could be a regular ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any time. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. Along with fluid buildup, inflammation of the tissue can take place. Really itchy ears can be the result of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The solution is to talk to your doctor and address the root infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and relief
Itchy ears can take the joy out of pretty much anything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. Often, these itchy ears will not clear up by themselves (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.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.