Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, happens when people have an allergic reaction to common particles found in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, or animal fur.
Why do my ears itch? Causes and treatments
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Itchy ears are a common problem that can be bothersome. Common causes of itchy ears include infection, blockages, and skin conditions.
Treatment for itchy ears depends on the underlying cause and may include ear drops, antibiotics, or syringing.
In this article, learn about the causes of itchy ears, as well as which treatments and home remedies can help.
Causes of itchy ears can include:
1. Ear infections
Share on Pinterest A person may have itchy ears as the result of an infection.
Itchy ears can sometimes be due to an infection or a sign that one is developing.
Bacteria and viruses can cause ear infections in conjunction with a cold or flu. Infections can also occur if someone has water trapped in their ear or a buildup of earwax.
Chronic ear infections are recurring and may require medical treatment.
2. Dry ears
Ears usually produce oil and earwax to keep the ear clean and healthy. If people clean their ear too much, it can remove the wax from the ear and dry it out, causing irritating itchiness.
Other people may not produce enough ear wax naturally, resulting in dry ears. If people have dry ears, they may notice flakes of dry skin around their ear.
3. Food allergies
An allergic reaction to a certain food can cause people to have itchy ears. Common food allergies include:
People may also experience itchiness on the rest of the face. Some people develop hives.
Oral allergy syndrome is a type of allergic reaction related to pollen that typically causes itchiness around the mouth, but some people also report having itchy ears.
Common foods that cause oral allergy syndrome include:
- fruits, such as apples, melons, cherries, kiwi, and bananas
- sunflower seeds
- almonds
- hazelnuts
If a person has trouble breathing after eating or coming into contact with an allergen, they may be experiencing anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.
4. Earwax blockage
A buildup of earwax can cause itchy ears and affect a person’s hearing.
The ears produce earwax to help keep the ear clean and protect the inner ear from infection. Earwax naturally moves out of the ear, carrying dead skin cells and debris, where it will then dry out and fall away over time.
A buildup of earwax can happen if people stick something into their ear canal, which is the small tunnel that connects the outer ear to the middle and inner ear.
If people insert a cotton swab, bobby pin, finger, or twisted cloth into their ear, it can irritate the ear canal and push earwax farther back, causing a blockage.
An earwax blockage can trap bacteria in the ear and cause an infection.
5. Hearing aids
Share on Pinterest The plastic coating on hearing aids can sometimes cause itchy ears.
Hearing aids can sometimes cause itchy ears because of their plastic coating. Some people may have sensitive skin or a mild allergic reaction to the material.
People wearing hearing aids may also experience itchy ears if water gets trapped behind the hearing aid.
If people have an itchy ear due to pressure from the hearing aid, a specialist can remold the hearing aid so that it fits better.
6. Swimmer’s ear
If water gets trapped in the ear, it can cause a condition called acute otitis externa. This condition is also known as swimmer’s ear because it frequently affects swimmers.
Bacteria can multiply in the trapped water, causing an infection.
Swimmer’s ear can make the ear feel very itchy. If people have swimmer’s ear, they may also notice the following symptoms:
- pain in the ear
- pain in the neck, face, or head
- inflammation around the ear
- ear feels blocked
- drainage from the ear
- difficulty hearing
7. Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, happens when people have an allergic reaction to common particles found in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, or animal fur.
It can cause itchiness in the ears, eyes, and throat, along with:
- watery eyes
- a runny nose
- headaches
- sneezing
- congestion
People may also experience itchy ears due to congestion caused by a common cold. This will usually pass as people recover from the cold.
8. Skin conditions
People who have a skin condition in this area might experience itchy ears. Some people might also notice inflamed, scaly patches on or around the ear.
Conditions that may cause itchy ears include:
People may be able to treat some cases of itchy ears with home remedies.
If skin dryness causes itchy ears, try putting a few drops of olive oil or baby oil on their ear.
A drop of oil can also help relieve itchiness due to hearing aids. The oil should not touch the hearing aid, however, so it is best to apply the drops before going to bed.
People should also ensure they get their hearing aid correctly fitted for their ear, as an ill-fitting hearing aid can cause irritation. A doctor can also help determine if a person is having an allergic reaction to their hearing aid.
People can clean their outer ear using a cloth, but should not insert anything into the ear canal. If earwax is blocking the ear, a few drops of baby oil or over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops can loosen the wax.
If this is not effective, a doctor may syringe a saline solution into the ear to flush out the excess earwax. People can also do this procedure at home with an irrigation kit.
If a skin condition, such as psoriasis, is causing an itchy ear, people may need to use a topical medication to treat the condition.
People with swimmer’s ear may be able to relieve itchiness by applying drops of a mildly acidic solution consisting of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar. This can help to dry out excess water in the ear.
If this treatment does not work, or if people have another type of ear infection, prescription ear drops or antibiotics can help.
People with itchy ears due to allergic rhinitis may need antihistamines to manage their condition. If food allergies are causing itchy ears, people can track their diet and symptoms to identify which foods trigger symptoms.
If home treatments provide no relief or if people are experiencing more severe symptoms, such as any pain or loss of hearing, they should see their doctor.
Why Do My Ears Itch?
Can’t stop scratching your ears? An itchy ear canal (the tube that connects your outer ear to your eardrum) happens to people of all ages. How you can get relief will depend on what’s making you scratch.
No matter the cause of your itch, it’s never a good idea to stick any objects in your ears. You could damage your inner ear, including the tiny bones that help you hear.
Some reasons for itchy ears include:
Earwax buildup. Wax is your body’s way of cleaning dead skin cells and dirt out of your ears, but too much of it can make them itch.
Don’t be tempted to try to remove the buildup with a cotton swab. That pushes the wax deeper inside, where it can get stuck. Instead, try over-the-counter ear drops that break up the wax. If that doesn’t help, see your doctor. They can use a special tool to safely remove built-up wax.
But don’t overdo it. Ears can also get itchy if they don’t have enough wax inside them.
Infections. Itchy ears can sometimes be a sign of an ear infection. Bacteria and viruses cause them, usually when you have a cold, the flu, or allergies. One kind, swimmer’s ear, can happen when water stays in your ear after you swim. Too much moisture wears away your ear canal’s natural layer of defense against germs.
To stop the itch, you’ll need to treat the infection. Some may go away on their own, but your doctor could prescribe ear drops. You may need to take them a few times a day for a week. Other infections may need a course of antibiotics. Learn more about ear infection symptoms.
Skin allergies. The skin inside your ears can itch because of an allergic reaction. A beauty product like hair spray or shampoo could be the culprit. So can products that have nickel, like earrings. Plastic, rubber, or metal you put inside your ears, like earbuds or a hearing aid, can also cause a rash called contact dermatitis.
To get relief, you’ll need to figure out what you’re allergic to and stop using it. Until then, your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream to stop your urge to scratch. Learn more about skin allergies and contact dermatitis.
Eczema or psoriasis. If you have these skin conditions, you may be prone to itchy ear canals. You can usually treat these problems with ear drops. In severe cases, you may also need to take steroid pills. Learn more about psoriasis in your ears.
Cleaning your ears. Putting cotton swabs into your ears can inflame your ear canal and leave you itching. Bobby pins, paper clips, matchsticks, and your fingers can also scratch the skin inside your ears, making it easy for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Learn more about how to clean your ears.
Food allergies. If you have hay fever or a pollen allergy, your ears may itch when you eat certain fruits, vegetables, or tree nuts. Known as oral allergy syndrome, you may notice this most during allergy season.
The prickly feeling in your ears should stop as soon as you swallow the food or take it out of your mouth. In most cases, you don’t need treatment. Still, speak to your doctor. She may test you to see how severe your allergy is. People with extreme food allergies may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Learn more about food allergies and your skin.
Show Sources
National Eczema Society: “Fact Sheet: Ear Eczema.”
NHS Choices: “Otitis externa.”
University of Texas McGovern Medical School Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery: “Patient Care: Itchy Ears.”
Mayo Clinic: “Ear Infections.”
Merck Manual: “Consumer Version: Dermatitis of the Ear Canal.”
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: “Oral Allergy Syndrome.”
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: “Oral Allergy Syndrome.”
American Family Physician: “Otitis Externa: A Practical Guide to Treatment and Prevention.”
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: “Experts Update Best Practices for Diagnosis and Treatment of Ear Wax (Cerumen Impaction): Important Patient Education on Healthy Ear Care.”
National Psoriasis Foundation: “Psoriasis on the Face.”
The Journal of Pediatrics, “Pediatric Cotton-Tip Applicator-Related Ear Injury Treated in United States Emergency Departments, 1990-2010.”
DermNet New Zealand, “Otitis Externa.”
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