Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t reach?
Okay, there are two ways to consider it: First, you consider something you always wanted to do in life but so far you haven’t got around to (skydiving, for example). Or, if you’re a bit less of a romantic, you think about that spot on your back that you just can’t quite reach.
That’s sort of a terrible experience, isn’t it? Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. It’s why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you’re dealing with an itchy ear, there’s no device that will get at it. That itchy feeling is coming from inside your ear canal, somewhere that you can’t physically reach (regardless how hard you try). It’s worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are most likely driving you mad.
Your daily life can be impacted by itchy ears
It may sound like a minor issue, superficially. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least you’re not in horrible pain.
But think about it: Your ear is itchy, and you can’t get any relief. If it occurs now and then, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But if your ears are itchy constantly? You may find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe the feeling is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But there are solutions and treatments. Discovering the best way to deal with itchy ears means understanding what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So what’s causing that itch? And what can be done about it? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have differing solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are a number of possible underlying conditions that may be impacting your ears. Among the most prevalent are the following:
- Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not uncommon for them to cause itching. In some cases, an over-the-counter allergy medication, like an antihistamine, can relieve itching due to allergies. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be caused by a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could quickly come from your spring hay fever. An allergist will be the best place to seek a solution to this.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are generating a significant amount of wax, that’s not abnormal. You might be surprised to learn that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are a number of 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.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. 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, as a result, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. The solution is to come in and consult us for a proper fitting. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Ear infections: Yes, the regular old ear infection could be the culprit behind your misery. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any age. Ear infection can cause fluid buildup in your ear. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can take place. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and extremely itchy ears. The fix is to consult your doctor and manage the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
- Skin disorders: Sometimes, a skin condition can cause a reaction in spots you can’t reach. You can even find yourself with something called ear dandruff. 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 option.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of just about anything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. Usually, these itchy ears will not clear up on their own (and if they do, it’ll feel like it takes forever), so there’s no point in attempting to wait it out, you’ll likely just prolong your suffering.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.
