Itching in the ear is a common symptom and there are many causes. Sometimes, the cause of itchy ears is nothing more than excessive ear wax, while other times it may be symptomatic of something more serious. A physician can help you determine what kind of remedy is best to make you more comfortable and eliminate the itching for good.
Ear Wax
The ear canal is sensitive, so the slightest pressure can cause itching. When the natural oil that is usually present is absent itching may occur. Once the wax layer is lost, swelling occurs and blocks the ducts of the gland in the skin, according to John S. Oghalai, M.D. in a grand round presentation on otitis externa at Baylor University. Many people clean their ears to the extent that they clear out the natural layers of wax and oil in the ear canal and complain of itchy ears. Too much wax may also cause ear itching and difficulty hearing.
Otitis Externa
According to "Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatrics," otitis externa is associated with ear itching and pain. Acute otitis externa is an inflammation of the skin in the ear. Wetness, blockage of the canal, local trauma, and allergic disease are common associated factors and causes of ear itching, according to Dr. Oghalai.
Swimmer’s ear, or acute diffuse otitis externa, caused by the fungi Aspergillus sp. may cause pain and ear itching. Pseudomonas is a common causative organism in acute otitis externa.
Dermatitis
Inflammation or dermatitis of the skin may also be associated with itching of the ear. The dermatitis may be due to contact with an allergen or it may be spontaneous like eczema. Allergic reactions to chlorine, antibiotic ear drops and hair spray also cause itching in the ear, according to Cure Research. The material that hearing aids and ear plugs are made of may cause contact dermatitis and itching. Psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis may cause itching in the ear as they do when present on other parts of the body.
References
- Dizziness and Balance: Itching Ears
- BCM: Otis Externa
- Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Pediatrics - 19th Ed." (2009)
- Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Infectious Diseases (2001)
- The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy (2006)
