Itching in the ears can be a minor irritant or an extremely painful condition. Because the itching may be a symptom of so many different ailments, it is impossible to identify one single mode of treatment that will work in all cases. Fortunately, a physician can utilize various tests to determine what is causing the itching ear and move on to recommending a viable course of treatment.
It is important to remember that an itching ear is often the cause of some form of otitis or ear infection. There may be other symptoms present along with the itching, such as constant ear pain or the sudden development of some sort of ear drainage related to the infection. When this is the case, the use of antibiotics or other medications may help to clear up the infection. As a result, the itching ceases entirely.
However, it is also possible that the origin of the itching ear has to do with the attempt to treat an earache without medical supervision. Many people assume that a buildup of ear wax is always the culprit when it comes to itching in the ears. Actually, the opposite may be true. Ear wax serves to protect the chambers of the ear from drying out and providing a home for bacteria. If too much wax is removed by constant probing with fingers, creams or other means, the ears are left with no natural protection. When this is the case, treating the infection coupled with ceasing to remove ear wax will allow healing to take place and for the ears to regain the natural ability to fight off bacteria.
When the balance of wax in the ear is normal and there are no signs of an infection, the itching ear may be a symptom of another health issue. Doctors can use tests such as an MRI to determine if there is some abnormality causing pressure on the ear, resulting in the itching. Ear, nose, and throat specialists can also explore the possibility of the itching being caused by some sort of infection in the nasal passages or the upper respiratory system.
Allergies can also be the underlying cause of an itching ear. Wheat and dairy products are two examples of common foods that may be the origin of the ear problem. Physicians can test for various allergies and determine if this is the case. Should an allergy be the root cause for the itching, making some lifestyle changes to avoid the allergens will often allow the condition to subside in a short period of time.
Fortunately, the specific reason for an itching ear can usually be diagnosed quickly. Once diagnosed, the proper course of treatment will begin to ease the discomfort in as little as a couple of days.