What to Do When Your Ears Itch
Dealing with itchy ears can be both a common and irritating issue. Finding the right solution can be a challenge, especially if you wear hearing aids and don’t have any known skin conditions. The itching could be due to several factors such as bacterial presence, over-cleaning, or the sensation caused by the fine hairs in your ear canal being disturbed by the hearing aid.
Understanding the Itch:
Everyone has hair in their ears, and for some, this hair can be quite dense. These hairs are typically undisturbed and sensitive. With newer receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids that come with silicone domes, it is common to experience some itchiness initially. If this discomfort persists for more than a few days, consider consulting your audiologist to try a different dome size, which can often resolve the issue.
Addressing Itch with Custom Earpieces:
For those using custom earpieces, the itching may stem from moisture and bacterial buildup on the shell of the hearing aid. Here are a few tips to alleviate the problem:
- Hearing Aid Dryer with UV Light: Investing in a hearing aid dryer that includes a UV light can be highly effective. The UV light helps eliminate surface bacteria, reducing the chance of irritation.
- Antibacterial Wipes: Use alcohol-free antibacterial wipes, such as Germ-X Soft Wipes, before inserting the hearing aid. This practice can help maintain a clean surface, minimizing bacterial growth.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls:
While it might be tempting to scratch your itchy ears with cotton swabs, this can actually exacerbate the problem. The ear canal has a delicate protective layer of keratin, and using swabs can strip away this layer. Without this protection, the ear canal is more prone to cracking, weeping, and increased itching, potentially leading to infection.
Exploring Other Solutions:
If medical evaluation rules out any underlying conditions causing the itch, you might consider using non-steroidal topical creams. These can offer relief without the side effects associated with steroid use.
By understanding the potential causes of itchy ears and implementing these solutions, you can significantly reduce the disco
