I’m Going Nuts With This Itchy Ear

Woman with itchy ear putting a finger into her ear at office isolated white background

Have you ever had an itch that you just couldn’t reach?

Alright, there are two ways to consider 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 bit less of a romantic, you consider that spot on your back that you just can’t quite scratch.

That’s so aggravating! Having that itch and being desperate to scratch that spot on your back. That’s why we created back-scratchers.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a 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. It’s even worse than that spot on your back, and it’s not shocking that itchy ears are most likely driving you crazy.

Your daily life can be impacted by itchy ears

At first glance, it sounds like a minor thing. It’s just 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 once in a while, sure, it’s not that big of a deal. But if your ears are itchy all the time? You might find yourself, and your quality of life, substantially impacted.

Maybe the experience is so unpleasant that you stop eating out or seeing friends. Maybe you begin listening to louder and louder music trying to drown out that itchy feeling.

It stinks. But treatments and solutions do exist. Knowing what’s causing your itchy ears is the first step to finding a suitable treatment.

So what causes your ears to itch?

So why are your ears itchy? And what’s the solution? The treatment for itchy ears is going to differ depending on the underlying cause. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible underlying conditions that might be affecting your ears. Here are a few of the most prevalent:

  • Skin disorders: Some skin disorders can, occasionally, cause itching that is hard to get to. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can occur. You should talk to your doctor about what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a practical or safe solution, after all. Once again, your doctor will be the best person to help you deal with skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
  • Ear infections: Yes, the regular old ear infection might be the culprit behind your distress. Ear infections can occur at any age but happen more often when you’re younger. And when they do, fluid can build up in your ears. Along with fluid buildup, swelling of the tissue can take place. Combined, this can lead to trapped fluid, irritated tissue, and extremely itchy ears. Addressing the infection with your doctor’s help is the solution. Your ears will normally stop itching when the infection goes away.
  • Improper hearing aid fitting: Hearing aids are made to fit snugly in your ears. This will yield the best results and the best sound. But this snug fit can lead to irritation and itchiness when your hearing aids don’t fit correctly. Your hearing can be negatively affected if this causes you to stop wearing your hearing aids as frequently. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the solution. We may even be able to mold your hearing aid so it fits your ear better.
  • You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are producing a significant 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 develop for a number of reasons. One thing you should stop doing immediately is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. We can, in any case, help you clear up any earwax difficulties. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
  • Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. You can sometimes decrease your symptoms by taking an over-the-counter allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. It’s often challenging to figure out precisely what you’re having an allergic reaction to. But itchy ears can be caused by a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. Itchy ears could easily come from your spring hay fever. If the itching persists, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).

Getting relief for your itchy ears

Itchy ears can take the pleasure out of pretty much everything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. If you try to simply wait it out, you will probably prolong your suffering because it’s not likely that the itching will clear itself up.

Stop paying attention to your itchy ears and go back to enjoying your life. Call us for a consultation.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.