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 of is that bucket list item you just never seem to get done. 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 kind of a terrible experience, right? Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. It’s the reason why back-scratchers exist.
Regrettably, when you have an itchy ear, there’s no device that will get at it. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where that itch is coming from. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not surprising that itchy ears are most likely driving you crazy.
Your everyday life can be impacted by itchy ears
On the surface, it sounds like a small thing. It’s just itchy ears, right? At least your ears aren’t in pain or burning or throbbing.
But think about it: There’s no relief for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only happens now and then. But if your ears are itchy all the time? You could find yourself, and your quality of life, considerably affected.
Perhaps you stay home and avoid socializing with friends. Maybe you start listening to music at increasing volumes trying to drown out that itchy feeling.
It’s not fun at all. But treatments and solutions do exist. Discovering the best way to treat itchy ears means understanding what causes them to begin with.
So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?
So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the solution? The treatment for itchy ears is going to vary depending on the root cause. Your ears could be being affected by many root causes, as with most medical conditions. Among the most common are the following:
- Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ears. This will create the best results and the best sound. But when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly, this snugness can quickly turn into irritation and itchiness. This, as a result, can cause you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently, and that can be bad for your hearing. The solution is to come in and see us for a proper fitting. We might even be able to mold your hearing aid so it better fits your ear.
- Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, trigger itching that is difficult to get at. You can even find yourself with a condition called ear dandruff. You should speak with your doctor about what your options are. putting moisturizer in your ear isn’t a feasible or safe option, after all. If you have this type of skin condition, your doctor is, once again, your best bet.
- Allergies: Allergies are tricky, and it’s not uncommon for them to trigger itching. You can often minimize your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It can be hard to pin down, sometimes, exactly what you’re allergic to. But a great many allergens, including pollen, can trigger itchy ears. So your spring hay fever could quickly become itchy ears. If the itching lingers, you should consult an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).
- You have an earwax blockage: Look, it’s completely normal for your ears to produce a prodigious amount of wax. You may be surprised to find out that wax is actually cleaning your ears. But there are several reasons why blockages can develop. One thing you should stop doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you get rid of any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by scheduling an appointment with us.
- Ear infections: That’s right, the cause of your itchy ears could be a normal ear infection. Common in youth, ear infections can continue to happen at any age. And when they do, fluid can accumulate in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can occur. Very itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The solution is to speak with your doctor and treat the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, the itching in your ears should go away.
Getting treatment for your itchy ears, and comfort
Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of pretty much everything. Finding the correct treatment, and getting lasting relief can be absolutely life changing. If you try to just wait it out, you will probably prolong your suffering because it isn’t likely that the itching will clear itself up.
Stop focusing on your itchy ears and get back to enjoying your life. Contact us for a consultation.