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· 19 Jan 2022

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Why Is My Ear Canal Itchy?

#Itchyears
The itchiness of the ear canal is a very common problem. Ears have hundreds of sensitive nerve fibers and that’s why a small itch feels exaggerated. Anyone who has ever suffered from itchy ears can agree that even slight itchiness can make ears feel hot and somehow painful. Regardless of its cause, the itchiness of the ears is never a serious problem and it can just go away on its own. However, there are many possible treatment options for itchy ears, which can include medications like antibiotics, eardrops, or syringing. It is important to note that sometimes itchy ears can be a sign of an underlying condition, and therefore it’s important to go for a medical check-up. This blog will elaborate on the possible causes of itchy ears and what you can do to alleviate the discomforts. Also, the blog will define the alternative treatment options and tips that help reduce the itchiness of the ear canal. So, itchiness of the ears is caused by the following factors:



Ear Blockage. One of the many causes of itchiness can be due to excess earwax blocking the ear canal. Your ears naturally produce earwax(cerumen) which is there for a reason. Earwax is very important because it protects the ear from harmful bacteria and other microorganisms from the environment. This earwax then keeps the inner ear clean as well. However, when this cerumen builds up excessively, causes itchiness and can affect a person’s hearing ability. Most of the earwax gets out of the ear together with other dead skin as time goes by. One of the main things that cause earwax build-up is inserting objects into the ear canal. It does this by pushing the earwax further inside, which can cause blockage over time. Also, inserting things like bobby pins, fingers, or twisted cloths can push earwax deep into the ear. Some of these objects also can easily scratch the ear causing itchiness. It’s good not to push earwax inside because this wax can trap a layer of bacteria and cause infection.



Excessive Cleaning of the Ears. Ideally, your ears constantly produce oil and earwax to keep the ear dry and clean. Contrary to what many people think, you don’t have to remove the earwax to look clean as the body has its own way of doing it naturally. However, excessive cleaning of the ears to remove the earwax can render the ears dry and trigger itchiness. This happens mostly in those people who enjoy cleaning their ears regularly. Again, there are those people who produce less earwax and this makes their ears dry. On the sign of dry ears is constant flakiness around the ears.



Infections of the ears. The ears may seem like very small organs but the truth is that they easily get infected by microorganisms. The earwax plays a role in preventing the entry of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms from entering the ear but this does not happen all the time. Also, having other infections within the blood can travel to the ears and cause an infection. For example, getting a cold or flu can introduce bacteria or viruses into the ear canal causing infections. Another common cause of infections of the ears is having water trapped within the ears. This happens mostly after a shower or swimming and one fails to wipe the ears properly. Since this water isn’t usually sterile, then is possible for it to cause infections. The best thing to remember is that too much water in your ears removes the ear canal’s natural defense system and exposes you to germs. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics and topical ointment to reduce infections as well as reduce itchiness.




Allergies. There are many conditions that cause allergies in our bodies and the most common ones are allergic rhinitis, cold, and flu. These conditions are usually seasonal and are have many triggers such as dust, cold, particles, pollen grains, etc. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever for example is one condition that makes your ears canal itchy. This itchiness does not only affect the ears but also the eyes and throat. Sometimes people may wonder how cold or flu causes itchiness of the ears but let me explain. When you have allergic rhinitis, for example, your immune system produces histamines as a result of allergens present in the body. This immune response then tries to fight these allergens hence causing swelling, irritation, and itching of the ear canal. These allergens also irritate the Eustachian tube that connects your ears to the nose and this makes your ears to feel clogged or full and can easily start itching. Anti-histamines can be used to reduce the allergic reaction and may help open the clogged up ears and curb itchiness.




Swimmer’s Ear. This condition is also known as otitis externa or outer ear infection. T happens as a result of water remaining trapped within the ear. The terms swimmer’s ear is used because this condition mostly affects people who enjoy swimming frequently. If this water is not drained, bacteria can accumulate there, multiply and start causing harm. It’s possible to get itchiness even before you realize that you have an infection because in most cases, the infection may take days before the signs start showing. Swimmer’s ears are characterized by other signs and symptoms apart from itchiness which include pain around the ear, neck, and head, blockage of the ear, inflammation of the ear, failure to hear properly, and sometimes you may experience drainage from the ears as well. The bacteria that causes the condition is known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa although other bacteria may come into play also. You can prevent this condition by using a clean towel to dry the wet ears, wearing earplugs while swimming, and blowing your ears using low heat blow dry after swimming.




Some Types of Hearing Aids. Hearing is one of the five senses that human beings have. Unfortunately, not all people live to use this sense as some are born without hearing while others lose it along the way. To help such people live normally, medical professionals give special hearing aids which are placed into the ears. However, the majority of these hearing aids are made using plastic coating. This means that if anyone is allergic to plastic or other materials used in the making of these hearing aids, such a person can develop itchy ears. Again, when water gets trapped behind the hearing aid also can cause itchiness. The hearing aid also adds pressure to the ear making the itchiness worsen. But the best thing is that doctors can adjust the hearing aid for you or just give you a new one to keep you comfortable.




Ear Dermatitis. This is a type of skin condition that affects most parts of the ears. It occurs as a result of inflammation of the ears, causing pain, itchiness, and discomforts. In other people, ear dermatitis can be caused by the use of certain products such as make-up, bathing soaps, lotions, and sprays. Also, having an allergic reaction towards certain types of metals present in jewelry can also cause itchiness. For instance, if you are allergic to silver, anytime you wear any jewelry containing silver, you may start itching or swelling upon wearing such jewelry. There is also another type of dermatitis of the ear called aural eczematoid dermatitis that can cause itchy ears. The best way to treat this is to avoid anything that triggers the itchiness and replace it with a better alternative. Also, a doctor can prescribe anti-itch cream to help you with itching. For more information about ear itchiness, check this out:
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/why-do-my-ears-itch#:~:text=Itchy%20ears%20can%20sometimes%20be,layer%20of%20defense%20against%20germs.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324671#prevention


Conclusion


Itchy ears are a common condition and affect a good percentage of the global population. In most cases, the itchiness may not be serious but there are times they can indicate a serious health problem. Even without going to the hospital, many people can relieve itchiness at home without any problem. There are many possible treatment options that can reduce itchiness successfully at home such as putting a few drops of olive oil into the itchy ear. Also, if you do not have olive oil, you can still use baby oil for the same purpose. However, if the itchiness is persistent, you can visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, there are antibiotic eardrops that can work to kill the bacteria in the affected ears. If the itchiness is due to blockage by earwax, your doctor can help you remove it safely, instead of using sharp objects to remove it yourself. Otherwise, itchiness can just go away on its own within a few days of treatment.
#Itchyears #Itchyearcanal #Ears #Earpain #Earscratching #Dermatitis #Earinfections #Swimmersear #Hearingaid #Hearingloss #Hearing #Earcanal #Earblockage #Earwax