Itchy Blocked Ears: 5 Great Ways to Feel Better
Have you ever suffered from itchy blocked ears? Most people would have experienced this really annoying ear problem at least once in their lives. Itchy ears can really drive you crazy! We see so many patients with itchy ears or blocked ears at our ENTcare specialist clinic in Singapore. Well, many people have an irresistible urge to dig their itchy ears. Once you start digging your ears, you will find that you just can't stop! The more you dig your ears, the itchier your ears will feel!
Why Are My Ears So Itchy?
So what causes itchy blocked ears in Singapore? It may be as simple as impacted earwax. But sometimes, it may be due to mild eczema causing the constant itch inside your ears. Ear-digging just worsens the problem. Then this may lead to ear infections! The inflamed skin inside your ears becomes vulnerable to bacteria or fungus growing in the infected ear canal (otitis externa).
Sometimes, allergy problems with the nose and sinuses can lead to more mucus building up at the back of your nose. The back of your nose is where your Eustachian pressure tubes are located. If there is too much backdrip of mucus flowing near the Eustachian tube openings, you may feel an irritating itchy sensation deep inside. So it is important to get your nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis) under control. You should also find out what you might be allergic to, in the form of an allergy test.
If your ear becomes extremely itchy and blocked, more than usual, then this may mean an underlying fungal ear infection. Fungal ear infections in Singapore tend to make the ear feel blocked and very itchy! The fungus leads to the buildup of a lot of fungal spores and associated fungal ear debris. If you are diabetic, then you should be extra careful as diabetes increases the risk of infection and may also worsen the severity of your ear infection, such that it may spread to the bone of your ear.
Dr Annabelle's 5 Tips on How to Avoid Itchy Blocked Ears:
1. Stop Digging Your Ears
It doesn't matter if you "just" use cotton buds or use more "sophisticated" digging tools like video-assisted ear suckers or metal spoon diggers! Digging is a very unhealthy habit which can really hurt or damage your ears, so please stop digging them.
2. Olive Oil Drops May Help Relieve the Itchy Sensation Inside Your Ears
Try applying 1-2 drops after your shower into your ears as it may help to relieve the itchy ears.
3. Treating Any Underlying Nasal Allergy (Allergic Rhinitis)
This may help relieve the deep-seated itchy sensation annoying your ears. This usually consists of using a saline sinus rinse, antihistamines and nasal sprays to treat the allergic rhinitis and keep it from flaring up.
4. Keep Your Ears Dry
Try not to flood your ears with water as small dark and moist places such as the ear canal may lead to the growth of bacteria or fungus. Using swim plugs to stop water from entering your ears when swimming or during shower time may be helpful.
5. Change Your Earphones to Headphones if Possible
Earphones often carry bacteria on their surface, especially if you do not clean them regularly. Alcohol wipes should be used to clean the earphones before you put them into your ears. If the earphones do not fit the shape of your ear entrances properly, they may potentially cause irritation and inflammation of your ears and ear canals, leading to itchy ears.
Finally, if your itchy ears are still driving you crazy, see your favourite ENT specialist in Singapore to feel better. You never know what you're going to find inside your itchy ears as the cause!
About Dr Annabelle Leong
Dr Annabelle Leong 梁翠娟
Senior Consultant ENT Surgeon
MBBS (Hons) (London), BSc (Hons);
DOHNS, MRCS (England), FRCS ORL-HNS (England)
Dr Annabelle Leong is a senior consultant ENT surgeon with more than 25 years of experience across the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore. From childhood ENT concerns to hearing, balance and sleep problems in adults, she provides care across a broad range of ear, nose and throat conditions.
Known for being a patient and attentive listener, Dr Annabelle takes a sensible, holistic approach to care, considering the wider picture before recommending treatment. She favours conservative options where appropriate, with surgery considered when clinically indicated and appropriate for the patient’s overall care.