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 might think about 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 reach.
That’s so frustrating! Having that itch and being desperate to get to that spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a device that can relieve itching inside of your ears. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up into your ear canal where that itch is coming from. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it isn’t surprising that itchy ears are probably driving you crazy.
Your daily life can be impacted by itchy ears
At first glance, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be much worse, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or on fire.
Here’s something to consider: 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 constantly itchy? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, significantly impacted.
Maybe the experience is so unpleasant 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’s not fun at all. But there are strategies and treatments. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to finding the right treatment.
So what causes your ears to itch?
So what’s causing that itch? And what can you do about it? The treatment for itching ears is going to vary depending on the root cause. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible underlying conditions that might be affecting your ears. Amongst the most prevalent are the following:
- Ear infections: Yes, the plain old ear infection might be the reason for your misery. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with accumulation of fluid, inflammation of the tissue can occur. Extremely itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The solution is to talk to your doctor and manage the underlying infection. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection clears up.
- You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant amount of wax, that’s not unusual. That’s because wax is helpful for your ears and (counter-intuitively) helps keep them clean! But there are several reasons why blockages can develop. One thing you should stop doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax troubles. So scheduling an appointment can help bring you some relief.
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will yield the best returns and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit properly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. This, in turn, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as often, and that can be detrimental to your hearing. Making an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to trigger itching. You can sometimes reduce your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It can be difficult to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But a large number of allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could very easily become itchy ears. An allergist will be the right place to seek a solution to this.
- Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders can, at times, trigger itching that is difficult to get at. There’s even a disorder called ear dandruff that can occur. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. putting 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.
Getting relief for your itchy ears
Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of pretty much anything. Finding the best treatment, and getting sustained relief can be completely life changing. If you try to simply wait it out, you will probably prolong your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will clear itself up.
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 enjoy.