Itchy ears: it’s a problem that affects most of us from time to time and rarely do we ever give the issue a lot of thought. Why? Because, in the vast majority of cases, it’s little more than a sign of skin irritation, and the problem typically solves itself after a few days, or maybe a week.
But having particularly itchy ears — whether that means the exterior part of the ear or the inner ear, which can be hard to reach — can sometimes be a sign of a more concerning issue. In fact, having a consistent problem with itchy ears could signify that there’s a much deeper problem that, left unexplored by your doctor or a specialist, could actually impact your day-to-day lifestyle, possibly through partial or even total hearing loss. To help you understand what those itchy ears could indicate, let’s take a look at some common issues associated with ear irritation.
Earwax Shortage
There’s a reason wax is used so frequently to protect objects like cutting boards and other items that frequently come into contact with foods: it can help provide protection by adding a layer of safe sealant. Without wax, a lot of physical objects would rapidly deteriorate and become pretty well useless in a short time.
Not having enough wax in your ears can also be a big problem. For one, it can make them feel plenty irritated, and for some people that could mean a sensation that’s very close to something resembling a nagging itch. In fact, just as some people struggle with eyes that don’t produce sufficient tears, some individuals struggle with ears that don’t create enough wax. If this is a consistent issue for you, speak with your doctor about possible solutions for this problem.