I’m Going Nuts With This Itchy Ear

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

We’ve all had that itch that seemed impossible to scratch.

You may think about 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 done. 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 kind of a horrible experience, isn’t it? Desperately attempting to scratch that itchy spot on your back. That’s why we invented back-scratchers.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a device that can get rid of itching in your ears. Regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t reach up inside your ear canal where it’s itching. If you’re ear itches in this way, it’s even more aggravating than that spot on your back.

Your everyday life can be impacted by itchy ears

On the surface, it sounds like a small thing. Itchy ears? It could be worse, right? At least you’re not in terrible pain.

But think about it: There’s no alleviation for an itchy ear. No fuss, if it only occurs from time to time. But if your ears are itchy constantly? It might end up having a real impact on your quality of life.

Perhaps you stay home and stop socializing with friends. Or perhaps you try to overpower the sensation by listening to excessively loud music.

It stinks. But there are strategies and treatments. Discovering the best way to deal with itchy ears means understanding what causes them in the first place.

So what are some of the causes of itchy ears?

So why are your ears itching? And what’s the treatment? Depending on the underlying cause, itchy ears will have different solutions. As with many other medical conditions, there are numerous possible underlying conditions that could be impacting your ears. Here are some of the most common:

  • You have an earwax blockage: If your ears are creating a substantial 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 develop. One thing you should quit doing right away is using cotton swabs to “clean” your ears. In any case, we should be able to remove most earwax blockages. So you will get some relief by making an appointment with us.
  • Ear infections: Yes, the plain old ear infection might be the culprit behind your distress. Prevalent in youth, ear infections can continue to strike at any time. Ear infection can cause an accumulation of fluid in your ear. At the same time, the tissues inside of your ears can begin to become inflamed. Extremely itchy ears can be the outcome of this trapped fluid and irritated tissue. The fix is to talk to your doctor and treat the underlying infection. Once that’s cleared up, your ears should stop itching.
  • Improper hearing aid fitting: Your hearing aids should fit into your ears snugly. That’s how you get the optimum sound and the most effective results. 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. Schedule an appointment with us for a proper fitting is the answer. In some instances, hearing aids may even be custom molded to better fit your ears.
  • Skin disorders: Occasionally, a skin disorder can cause a response in places you can’t itch. There’s even a condition called ear dandruff that can happen. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what your solutions are. Using moisturizer in your ear isn’t a viable or safe option, after all. Once again, your provider will be the best one to help you deal with skin conditions that cause itchy ears!
  • Allergies: Allergies are challenging, and it’s not unusual for them to trigger itching. You can sometimes decrease your symptoms by using an over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as an antihistamine. It can be tricky to pin down, sometimes, precisely what you’re allergic to. But itchy ears can be a consequence of a wide variety of allergens, including pollen. So your spring hay fever could quickly become itchy ears. If the itching persists, you should speak with an allergist about finding a solution (and relief).

Finding treatment for your itchy ears, and relief

Itchy ears can take the joy out of just about anything. Your life can actually be changed by finding relief with the proper treatment. Often, 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 trying to wait it out, you’ll probably just extend your suffering.

If you find 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.

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.