Struggling with ears itching inside? Audiology Director Rob Ormerod explains what triggers an ear canal itch and shares safe treatment tips for lasting ear itch relief.
What causes itchy ears?
If you’ve been kept up at night wondering why your ears are so itchy, you’re not alone. There are lots of possible causes for itchy ears, ranging from something as simple as excess earwax to ear conditions that need more attention.
We meet people suffering from itchy ears every day, and here are some of the most common causes we find:
Earwax buildup
One of the most common causes of itchy ears is earwax buildup. When earwax becomes trapped in the ear canal, it can block airflow, irritate the sensitive skin inside your ear, and sometimes even trigger symptoms like tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If you're also experiencing tinnitus, it could be due to impacted earwax, and professional earwax removal might be necessary.
Earwax plays a protective role, but too much of it can lead to blockages that cause itching and other issues. It’s important to keep a healthy balance of earwax in the ear canal, as too little earwax can also cause dryness and irritation.
Dry skin in the ear canal
The skin inside our ears can sometimes become dry, especially in colder weather or in low-moisture environments. This dryness can cause itching and irritation, which may worsen when there’s not enough earwax to keep the skin moisturised.
Allergies
Seasonal allergies or reactions to things like skincare or hair products can cause inflammation inside the ear, leading to itching. Specific allergens – like pollen, pet dander, or even the metals in earrings – can also trigger itchy ears.
If you’re prone to allergies, one of these triggers could be causing your discomfort.
Ear infections
Fungal or bacterial infections (such as otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear) can cause intense itching, and is often accompanied by pain and swelling.
Swimmer’s ear typically happens after water has become trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that allows bacteria or fungi to grow.
Skin conditions
Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis can cause redness, irritation, and itching in or around the ear canal. These conditions affect the skin’s ability to protect itself, leading to itchy sensations that can get worse without treatment.
Foreign objects
Sometimes, inserting objects like cotton swabs or even earphones into your ears can lead to irritation and itching. Hearing aids and earphones can also trap moisture in the ear canal, causing discomfort. It’s best to avoid putting objects in the ear canal if you’re struggling with itchy ears, as it can push wax deeper and increase the likelihood of an infection.
Itchy ear symptoms: when it’s normal vs. when to see a professional
Understanding whether your itchy ears are due to something minor or something more serious can help you decide when to take action. Here's a simple breakdown of which symptoms are normal, and which mean it’s best to see a professional.
When it’s normal:
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Mild itching: If your ears itch occasionally or just feel a little dry, this is usually normal and can be caused by mild earwax buildup or dry skin.
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Seasonal allergy irritation: Itching during allergy season is common for lots of people, especially if you’re sensitive to environmental triggers.
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Earwax buildup: A bit of itching that starts after using cotton swabs or if it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your ears is often just the result of earwax blockage.
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Earphones or hearing aids: If your itching starts after using earphones or hearing aids, but goes away once you remove them, it’s likely just irritation from the device. Make sure to keep your ears dry, clean your earphones or hearing aids regularly, and take breaks from wearing them to give your ears some relief.
When to see a professional audiologist
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Persistent itching: If the itching doesn’t go away or gets worse over time, it could indicate something more serious, like an infection or skin condition that requires professional care.
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Pain or swelling: Itching accompanied by pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness in the ear could suggest an infection.
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Discharge or bleeding: If your ears are leaking unusual earwax colours like yellow or green, foul-smelling fluid, or if you notice blood, contact your GP or urgent care service.
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Hearing loss: If the itching comes with hearing loss or a feeling of muffled sound, it could indicate impacted earwax or an infection that needs professional care.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a trained audiologist. At Bayfields, we offer professional earwax removal appointments with free hearing health checks included as standard, to help you feel comfortable and confident in your ear health.
Home remedies for itchy ears
If your itchy ears are mild, there are several simple remedies that can help soothe the irritation. These are quick fixes that you can use to safely remove earwax at home, but it’s always best to visit a professional audiologist if your itchy ears are causing consistent discomfort.
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Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops can help clear earwax and soften any buildup. If you’re experiencing persistent earwax issues, we recommend professional earwax removal at Bayfields.
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Olive Oil*: A few drops of olive oil can help moisturise dry skin inside your ear. Simply tilt your head, drop the oil in, and allow it to sit for a few minutes before draining it out.
*Only use oil if you have no pain, discharge, or known ear conditions, including perforations and grommets. -
Avoid Scratching: It’s tempting to scratch, but doing so can make the irritation worse. Instead, try soothing the area with one of the remedies above, and if symptoms persist, consider seeking professional help.
How to prevent itchy ears
Preventing itchy ears involves taking some simple steps to care for your ears. These measures can help manage mild ear itching, but if the problem persists or comes back frequently, it’s important to seek professional help to rule out underlying issues like ear infections or earwax build-up.
Avoid cotton swabs
While it might seem like the easiest solution, using cotton swabs can actually push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing irritation and increasing the risk of infections. Instead, let your ears clean themselves naturally or seek professional earwax removal.
Keep your ears dry
Moisture in the ear canal, especially from swimming or showering, can lead to infections or fungal growth. Always dry your ears thoroughly after they get wet.
Manage your allergies
If you have allergies, managing them with antihistamines can reduce inflammation in the ear canal and prevent itching.
Go for regular ear health check-ups
Regular ear health check-ups can help spot potential ear problems early, from excess earwax to infections. Bayfields offers free hearing health checks to ensure your ears are in top condition.
Get professional help for itchy ears at Bayfields
If you’re still experiencing itchy ears despite trying home remedies, or if you’re unsure about the cause, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional care. At Bayfields, we’re here to help with:
Earwax removal
Our earwax removal service is designed to safely and effectively clear any blockages that could be causing your ears to itch. A free hearing health check is included as standard to give you a full picture of your ear health.
Free hearing health checks
Our free hearing health check will help identify any underlying issues that might be affecting your ear health. It’s simple, non-invasive, and only takes 15 minutes to complete.
Online hearing test
If you’re also noticing hearing difficulties along with itchy ears, consider taking our quick and free online hearing test to help spot any potential concerns. It’s a great first step in understanding your ear health, and only takes 5 minutes to complete.
Itchy ears FAQs
Why are my ears itchy?
Itchy ears can be caused by earwax build-up, dry skin, allergies, infections, or skin conditions like eczema. Identifying the underlying cause is important for effective treatment, and it’s always best to see an audiologist if you’re unsure about your symptoms.
What home remedy can I use for itchy ears?
Home remedies such as olive oil to moisturise dry skin, warm compresses to soothe irritation, and ear drops to remove mild earwax blockage can help. If your symptoms don’t go away, see a professional audiologist to remove your excess earwax.
Why do my ears feel itchy and wet inside?
Trapped moisture, often from swimming or showering, can cause the ear canal to feel wet and itchy. This moisture can lead to infections like swimmer’s ear, so it’s essential to dry your ears thoroughly after exposing them to water.
What to do if just one of my ears is itchy?
Itching in one ear – whether on the left or right side – typically occurs for the same reasons as itching in both ears. Common causes include earwax buildup, dry skin, allergies, or even an infection. It’s normal for ear irritation to affect just one ear, but if the itching is persistent or painful, a professional ear check is recommended.
Does earwax cause itchy ears?
Yes, earwax buildup can cause itching when it blocks the ear canal, leading to irritation. If earwax is the cause, professional earwax removal may be necessary.
What causes an itchy and painful ear?
An itchy, painful ear could be a sign of an ear infection or swimmer’s ear (otitis externa).. Other possibilities include eczema, dermatitis, or impacted earwax. If the pain persists, it’s important to consult a professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why do my ears itch more at night?
Itchy ears at night may feel more noticeable due to increased blood flow and sensitivity when lying down. During the day, distractions can prevent you from noticing the itching. Earwax build-up, dryness, or allergies can also contribute to night time itching. If the itching is severe or persistent, a professional check-up can help find the cause.
More advice about your ear health
How to Safely Remove Earwax At Home
When it comes to personal hygiene, ear cleaning might not be the top of the list for most people.
How to Prepare for Ear Wax Removal at Bayfields Audiologists
Read on for all you need to know about the process and what you’ll need to do before your ear wax removal appointment.
The Facts About Ear Wax: Causes, Symptoms & Safe Removal
Experiencing slight hearing loss or discomfort? It could be due to ear wax build-up. While ear wax (cerumen) protects your ear canal and eardrum, excessive accumulation can lead to issues like blocked ears, ear discomfort, and tinnitus. At Bayfields Audiology, we offer gentle micro-suction removal, a safe and comfortable procedure to clear excess wax.