Ear itching can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include infection and foreign objects, such as dirt or water. A buildup of earwax can also cause itching, pain and even hearing interference. Treating ear itching at home is typically safe, but persistent itching or itching accompanied by pain and other symptoms should be examined by a medical professional. Some ear itching causes may require medical treatment.
Oil Drops
MotherNature.com suggests placing a few drops of warmed oil into the affected ear to experience instant itch relief. Drops can be warmed by placing the bottle into a glass of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. One to two drops per ear is sufficient. Mineral oil, olive oil or another type of vegetable oil will all work. For maximum relief, the individual can rest on her side while the drops are placed to allow the solution to get deep into the ear. If hardened wax is to blame for the discomfort, the warm oil can help soften it. Softened oil can be carried out of the ear canal by the tiny hairs, called cilia.
Remove Wax
It is very important to avoid sticking anything into the ear canal. Visible wax can be removed safely by using cotton swabs on the outer sections of the ear. Visible wax that sits by the ear canal opening can be removed by pressing the cotton swab to the wax and moving it outward. Wax that can't be seen easily on the edges of the ear canal should not be retrieved with a cotton swab or any foreign object. A medical professional can withdraw hardened wax that is further into the ear. Attempting to remove wax deep in the ear canal can push it further down and even introduce bacteria to the inner ear, leading to infection.
Warm Compress
MotherNature.com recommends using a warm compress on the ear when hardened wax seems to be deep inside the ear canal. A hot water bottle or a wash cloth wet with hot water can work well for this remedy. The individual should lie on one side and cover the ear with the warm compress for 15 to 20 minutes, several times per day. Should the wax move further out of the ear canal, cottons swabs can be used to withdraw it.
Ear Syringing
Ear syringing kits can be purchased over the counter to help remove foreign particles like wax and dirt from the ear, or a homemade solution can be used. The American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery points out that a saline solution and syringe are both common and effective in removing earwax. The saline should be warmed to body temperature to avoid getting dizzy. A commercial kit will also include a wax dissolving solution. The saline and water are to be placed into the ear canal and then suctioned out with a bulb syringe.
Ear Protection
Swimming or bathing can allow water into the ears. When the water gets trapped it can cause itching and even infection. To prevent this, an individual can place cotton balls into the ear, ear plugs made for swimmers or use a swim cap that covers the ear. Reducing water exposure can alleviate future itching but the current itching may require other remedies to cure. Following a shower, bath or swim an individual can use a hair dryer to help dry out the ear and prevent discomfort. DermNetNZ.org points out that extra attention to drying the ear can improve ear discomfort from water.
