Why Does the Inside of My Ear Itch?

Anyone who has experienced it knows an itchy ear can be a nuisance. Scratching might bring temporary relief, but it's not always the best solution. The good news is that itchy ears rarely indicate anything serious. However, they can be symptoms of various conditions, from harmless dryness to ear infections.

This guide will delve into the common causes of itchy ears, explore some less frequent culprits, and provide tips on when to seek medical attention.

Why Too Much Can Itch

Our ears are marvellously self-cleaning organs. They produce a sticky substance called earwax (cerumen) that traps dust, dead skin cells, and other debris. This earwax naturally migrates out of the ear canal, keeping it clean and protected.

However, earwax production can sometimes go into overdrive, leading to a buildup. This can happen if you frequently use cotton swabs in your ears, as they can push the wax further in, creating a blockage. Earwax buildup (cerumen impaction) is a common cause of itchy ears in the UK [1].

Symptoms of Earwax Buildup

• Itchiness in the ear canal

• A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear

• Muffled hearing

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sound in the ear)

Treating Earwax Buildup at Home

If you suspect earwax buildup, there are a few safe remedies you can try at home in the UK:

• Olive Oil Drops: Soften the earwax with a few drops of warm olive oil applied with a dropper. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing upwards for 10-15 minutes. This can help loosen the wax for natural removal.

• Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the outside of the ear can also help soften earwax. Soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and hold it against your ear for 10-minute intervals.

Important Note:

• Never use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or any other sharp object to try and remove earwax yourself. This can damage the delicate skin of your ear canal and worsen the problem.

• If home remedies don't resolve the issue or you experience pain, ear discharge, or significant hearing loss, consult your GP (General Practitioner). They can safely remove the earwax using a medical tool called a curette or irrigation with a particular solution.

Ear Infections: Itchy Ears and More

Another common cause of itchy ears is an ear infection. Bacteria or viruses are capable of causing these infections, which frequently follow a cold or the flu [2]. There are two main types of ear infections to be aware of in the UK:

• Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa): This infection typically occurs when water stays trapped in the ear canal after swimming or bathing. The constant moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media): This type of infection affects the middle ear cavity, often as a complication of a cold or upper respiratory infection.

Symptoms of Ear Infections (in addition to itching)

• Ear pain

• Drainage from the ear

• Fever (particularly in children)

• Difficulty hearing

• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

Seeking Medical Attention for Ear Infections

If you suspect an ear infection, seeing your GP is crucial. They can diagnose the type of infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment, including antibiotics for bacterial infections or ear drops for swimmer's ear.

Dry Skin and Itchy Ears: When Your Ears Lose Their Moisture

Like the rest of your skin, the skin lining your ear canal can become dry and itchy. There are numerous potential causes of this, including:

• Eczema or Dermatitis: These chronic skin conditions, including the ear canal, can affect any body part. Symptoms include dry, itchy, and sometimes flaky skin.

• Weather Changes: Cold, dry winter weather can exacerbate dry skin and itchiness in the ear canal.

• Allergies: Allergies to things like dust mites or certain soaps can sometimes manifest as itchy ears.

Finding Relief From Dry, Itchy Ears

• Emollients: Applying fragrance-free emollients (moisturisers) suitable for the ear canal can help soothe dry, itchy skin. Look for products labelled safe for use in the ear and consult your pharmacist for recommendations.

• Identify and Avoid Triggers: If allergies are suspected to be the culprit, try to identify and avoid potential triggers.

Less Common Causes of Itchy Ears

While less frequent, other factors can contribute to itchy ears:

• Allergies: As mentioned earlier, allergies can sometimes manifest as itchy ears, particularly during hay fever season. Pollen and other airborne allergens can irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal.

• Psoriasis: This chronic autoimmune condition can affect any body part, including the ear canal. Psoriasis of the ear canal can cause redness, scaling, and itching.

• Hearing Aid Use: Some people experience itchy ears due to irritation from hearing aids. The hearing aid's material or a buildup of sweat and earwax underneath the device may cause this.

Tips for Managing Itchy Ears Caused by Allergies or Psoriasis

• Over-the-counter Medications: In consultation with your pharmacist, you might consider antihistamines for allergy-related itching or mild steroid creams for psoriasis flare-ups (always follow usage instructions carefully).

• Proper Hearing Aid Hygiene: Regularly clean and maintain your hearing aids according to the manufacturer's instructions. This helps prevent a buildup of sweat and earwax that can irritate the skin.

When to See a Doctor About Itchy Ears

While most cases of itchy ears are harmless and resolve on their own, it's essential to seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent itching (lasting longer than a week)

• Severe pain in the ear

• Pus or other discharge from the ear

• Hearing loss

• Fever (particularly in children)

• Feeling of dizziness or vertigo

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring a doctor's diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Itchy ears can be a nuisance, but understanding the potential causes helps you find relief. Most often, the culprit is harmless dryness or earwax buildup, which can be treated with simple home remedies. However, if the itching persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to consult your GP for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Additional Tips for Preventing Itchy Ears

• Avoid using cotton swabs in your ears. These can push earwax further in and irritate the ear canal.

• Wear earplugs when swimming or bathing to prevent water from getting trapped in your ears.

• Protect your ears from loud noises. This can help prevent damage that could lead to itching.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can contribute to overall skin health, including the skin in your ear canal.

Following these tips and seeking medical attention if needed, you can keep your ears healthy and itch-free.

FAQs

Q: Is it normal for my ears to itch sometimes?

A: Yes, occasional itchy ears are standard. There are numerous potential causes, the majority of which are safe.

Q: What are the most common causes of itchy ears?

A: The most frequent culprits behind itchy ears include:

• Earwax buildup (cerumen impaction)

• Dry skin (eczema or dermatitis)

• Allergies

Q: How can I tell if I have earwax buildup?

A: Along with itchiness, earwax buildup can cause a feeling of fullness or blockage, muffled hearing, and sometimes tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear).

Q: How can I remove earwax buildup at home (safely in the UK)?

A: Here are some safe methods for softening and potentially dislodging earwax in the UK:

• Apply a few drops of warm olive oil with a dropper and lie on your side with the affected ear facing up for 10-15 minutes.

• Use a warm compress outside the ear to soften the wax.

Necessary: Never use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or sharp objects to remove earwax!

Q: When should I see a doctor about itchy ears?

A: It's advisable to consult your GP if:

• The itching persists for more than a week.

• You experience severe ear pain.

• There's pus or other discharge from the ear.

• You have hearing loss.

• You have a fever (especially children).

• You feel dizzy or experience vertigo.

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.

Q: How can I prevent itchy ears?

A: Here are some tips to keep your ears itch-free:

• Avoid cotton swabs in your ears.

• Wear earplugs when swimming or bathing.

• Protect your ears from loud noises.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and adequate sleep.

References:

1. Earwax Buildup (NHS Choices): This website from the National Health Service (NHS) provides information on earwax buildup, including symptoms and treatment options available in the UK.

2. Ear Infections (NHS Choices): This resource offers information on different ear infections, their causes, and treatment methods commonly used in the UK.