Do you ever find yourself trying to scratch the inside of your ear? Itchy ears are a common problem. Understanding what can causes this discomfort can help you prevent it from occurring in the future.
What Causes an Itchy Ear
There are a number of possible causes of an itchy ear.
Ear Infections
Ear infections occur when bacteria or a virus become trapped within the ear, often in conjunction with the flu or a cold. A buildup of earwax or water becoming trapped in the ear can also lead to an ear infection.
Dry Ears
Your earwax protects your ear from dirt and debris, helps fight infections and keeps the ear moisturized. If you don’t produce enough earwax or clean your ear too often, you may experience a dry, itchy ear.
Buildup of Earwax
On the other side of the spectrum, those who produce too much earwax may experience an itchy ear. Earwax moves out of your ear on its own, taking with it dried skin cells. If there is something causing the earwax to buildup, it can cause your ear to become itchy.
Food Allergies
A common symptom of a food-related allergic reaction is itchy face, mouth and ears. While a mild symptom, food allergies can be dangerous. If you have trouble breathing, this may be the sign of an anaphylactic reaction, which requires immediate medical treatment.
Hearing Aids
Those with sensitive skin may have a mild allergic reaction to the plastic coating on their hearing aids. If you develop an itchy ear, talk to your audiologist. They can remold the hearing aid to ensure it fits better and is made from a material you can tolerate.
How to Treat an Itchy Ear
While there are many causes of an itchy ear, skin dryness is a common theme among them. Adding a few drops of oil to your ear can provide much needed moisture.
If earwax is causing your issues, you can try cleaning out the outer potion of your ear with a clean cloth. Over-the-counter drops can help loosen the earwax. If you continue to experience problems, contact your doctor. They may need to flush out the excess wax. While in the office, your doctor can teach you how to safely do this at home along with other itch prevention techniques.
The most important thing is to not stick anything into your ear to attempt to scratch an itch. This can damage your ear and even puncture your eardrum. Contact the professionals at Waco Earn, Nose & Throat today if you are experiencing a chronic itchy ear.
