Itchy Ears: Causes, Solutions, and How to Keep Your Ears Happy

Do you ever feel that itch inside your ears that makes you want to scratch like there's no tomorrow? Let’s clear up some misconceptions and dive deep into the world of itchy ears. It's not about someone gossiping about you; it’s all about the unique, delicate environment of your inner ear!

Why Do I Have Itchy Ears?

The itch can be on the outer part of your ear, or pinna, or commonly deeper in the ear canal.

Both are—let's be honest—super annoying. While a mild itch could be a mere skin reaction, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor. Here are some common culprits:

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis: It's basically ear dandruff! A condition where the oil-producing glands get clogged and cause flaky, itchy skin.


2. Infections: Painful, warm, red skin coupled with an itch could indicate an infection, like the common "swimmer's ear."


3. Ear Devices: Make sure to regularly clean your listening devices including hearing aids, earbuds, and Airpods so you’re not introducing bacteria to your ear from thesedevices. It’s also important to make sure the devices are inserted properly to avoid skin irritation and potential entry points for pathogens.


4. Earwax Overload: Ear wax build-up can be due to over-cleaning your ears with cotton swabs which often push wax deeper inside your ear canal This may lead to impaction and itchy ears.


5. Contact Dermatitis: Things like your favourite shampoo, favourite pair of earrings or even over-the-counter ear drops could be irritating the skin inside the ear canal.


6. Allergies: Seasonal or food allergies can make your ears itch. Taking antihistamines could help.


7. Skin Conditions: Eczema and psoriasis can also affect the ears, causing inflammation.

This is not an exhaustive list—some rare causes of itchy ears include conditions like diabetes and certain liver diseases.

Treating the Itch

The golden rule? Don’t stick anything inside your itchy ear canal to scratch! It can make the situation worse. Instead, focus on addressing the root cause:

• Contact dermatitis? Try switching shampoos or taking a break from your jewelry to see if things improve.
• Seasonal allergies acting up? An antihistamine might help.
• Excess dryness? Consider a moisturizing product like Miracell.

If things don’t improve and you still have an itchy ear canal, see your doctor. They can provide a detailed examination and offer treatments or referrals if necessary.

Keep it Clean, but Don’t Over Do It

Don't over-clean your ears. Avoid objects like cotton swabs, bobby pins, or even fingernails. Also, remember to wash your hands before handling devices like hearing aids and even earbuds or AirPods. A simple shower and the natural flow of warm water over your ears can do wonders to keep them clean without being invasive.

Why Are Ears So Delicate?

Your inner ear is a special environment. It's warm, moist, and can be more vulnerable to bacterial infections. To protect it, our body secretes earwax and even has tiny hairs to block debris. Unlike other body parts, the ear canal doesn't sweat, preventing excess moisture. If this environment gets thrown off, it can easily lead to itchy ear canals.

Don’t Ditch Your Hearing Aids Over an Itchy Ear Canal

If you wear hearing aids and are experiencing itchy ear canals, don’t stop wearing them. The issue can often be fixed easily, ensuring you never miss out on life’s wonderful conversations. Just schedule a visit with your hearing care professional. From moisturizing ear drops to refitting your device, there are many potential solutions for itchy ears.