If you’ve ever experienced an itchy ear canal, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also impact your ability to enjoy your hearing aids. To ensure you’re able to make the most of your hearing aids, it’s important to understand the common causes of itchy ear canals and what you can do to alleviate them.
Three Common Reasons for Itchy Ear Canals
There are three primary reasons why you may experience an itchy ear canal: fungal infections, ear wax, and dry skin. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Dry Skin
Dry skin in the ear canal can also cause itching. Unfortunately, using common items such as a car key, bobby pin, or Q-tip to try and relieve the itching can make the problem worse and increase the risk of infection. Instead, consider using eardrops such as MiraCell or Eargene, which moisturize the ear canal and reduce itching.
Fungal Infection (Otomycosis)
Fungal infections can occur in the ear canal and cause itching, redness, and discharge. These infections are referred to as Otomycosis and are diagnosed by a medical professional. It’s important to seek treatment for fungal infections as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Ear Wax
Ear wax is a common cause of itchy ear canals. The wax can build up and cause discomfort and itching. While some people may be able to remove the ear wax themselves, it’s recommended to see an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat physician to ensure safe and effective removal. Products such as Earwax MD can also be used to remove ear wax. It is also helpful to use a camera to see down into your canal.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To determine the cause of your itchy ear canals, it’s important to see a professional. They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of treatment.
For fungal infections, a medical professional will prescribe antifungal medication to clear the infection.
For ear wax, an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat physician will safely remove the ear wax, or you can use earwax removal products like Earwax MD.
For dry skin, a professional may recommend using eardrops like MiraCell or Eargene to moisturize the ear canal and reduce itching.
How to Prevent
To prevent itchy ears, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices with your hearing aids. This includes cleaning your hearing aids daily with a gentle cleaning solution or a damp cloth to remove any wax or debris.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or car keys to clean your ear canals as these can push the wax further into the ear and cause further irritation. By following these simple steps, you can avoid itchy ear canals and maintain a comfortable and positive hearing aid experience. You can also use ear drops that are compatible with hearing aids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, itchy ear canals can impact your ability to enjoy your hearing aids, so it’s important to understand the common causes and seek treatment. Whether you’re experiencing a fungal infection, ear wax buildup, or dry skin, a professional will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment to get you back to enjoying your hearing aids, itch-free.