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645800 tn?1466860955

Itching ear?

For over a year now I have been being driven crazy by my ear itching. Not the outside, earlobe, or anything like that, but the canal that leads to the ear drum or maybe even the ear drum itself.

I have brought this up with both my previous PC and my current one. The previous PC just told me to put baby oil in the ear as it was probably dryness. Of course that didn't help at all. My current PC Was even less help as I asked if I could be referred to someone that could figure out what is going on. She refused to do this, stating she would look like a fool if she referred me for an itchy ear.

The itchy problem is mostly with my left ear. The main times it will itch is shortly after I put in my hearing aids, and when I lay down on my left side. Almost like if I cut off the air to it is when it starts to itch. I have also noticed that the ear canal will feel wet and slippery during the itchy periods.

Dennis


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Avatar universal
how about puncturing a vitamin e capsule and rubbing a bit of that in with your finger?  sometimes I get this, not often, and this is what I do.  It could be just dry but I vote against baby oil because in the end it is drying as its petroleum based.
Helpful - 0
1580434 tn?1378596528
This happens when I wear my hearing aids all the time.or it did. Some things that might help if you don't already do them. Don't put them in right after shower. Allow ears to dry out good first.  Wipe hearing aids with alcohol 2 -3 times a week to kill germs. Have times you just don't wear them. This is a common problem with us hearing aid wearers.   I don't wear mine much anymore. The doors are broken and I enjoy the less loud world I guess. But my hearing loss is higher tones.


Helpful - 0
645800 tn?1466860955
I really don't think this is dryness since it effects only my left ear.

From looking for answers on-line I found that the cause could also be:

A fungal infection (Something my DR should have checked into).

Excessive wax build up (I do find quite a bit of wax on my phone after I have talked for a while using that ear).

A bacterial infection (Dr.should also have checked into this one).

Each of these would be supported by the fact that the canal feels wet when it is itchy.

The last thing beside dryness that was mentioned was an allergy. But that also doesn't make sense to me since it is use my left ear. Besides I take allergy medicine every day.

The only other thing I can think of is that is a lesion on the cranial never for the ear. But I don't think (and also hope) that could be the case due to the wet feeling when it is itchy.

They did mention a home cure for the first 3 probably causes that is a 50-50 mixture of olive oil and vinegar. I think I'll try that tomorrow after I go to the store.

Dennis
Helpful - 0
645800 tn?1466860955
I haven't worn my hearing aids for months so I know that is not what is causing the problem, especially since this started before I even got hearing aids. But thanks for the info anyway.

Dennis
Helpful - 0
1580434 tn?1378596528
Sorry Dennis, I must have read it wrong. Seems I do that often now.  The right side of my face use to itch but Since taking Mega vitamin D3 it much bette

My left ear does itch if I'm on my cell phone a lot. It gets hot and sweaty. I try to use my head phones as its easier to hear and stops the problem with getting hot.

Vinegar kills germs, so hopefully it will work. Hope to hear it does.

T

Helpful - 0
352007 tn?1372857881
Why not go to a ear, nose and throat doctor specialist and have them look into it?

Would you need a referral for that?


I have issues with itching sometimes, and its not a rash or contact dermatitis or skin disorder.  Last year the itching lasted 2 months and I was taking benadryl around the clock and although it didn't help, I felt like I was doing something about it.  I even tried atarax, but that did not help either.  It was a long sleepless nights type deal.

Perhaps its a paresthesia? I do not know.  Are you on Neurontin by chance?

I can't believe your primary brushed you off like that.  (Or maybe I can LOL).  

I hope you can find relief somehow some way.

LIsa
Helpful - 0
645800 tn?1466860955
Lisa,

  That is what I was trying to get my PC at the VA to refer me to "ENT".

I'm not sure about the Neurontin or not. All of the drugs go by so many names I can never keep them straight. I am on Gabapentin 300Mg but I only take it at night as it messes me up too much during the day.

I did pick up some olive oil and vinegar today at the store and will be trying it soon.

Dennis


Helpful - 0
352007 tn?1372857881
Let us know how it goes.

Yes Gabapentin is Neurontin.  Neurontin makes my ataxia worse.  Sometimes its so bad that I literally fall into the walls.  Heh.

Ok so tell your PC that you're having dizzy problems. LOL  Then when you get to the ENT you can tell them your PC must of mistaken. LOL.  I dont know.  I mean they make us think of this crap to begin with because they are inattentive to our needs and discomfort.


I think your PC needs  a swift kick in the butt.

Lisa

Helpful - 0
645800 tn?1466860955
Lisa,

  I doubt that would work, the day I asked my PC about the referral I fell in her office when getting up. Her only response to that was to ask me if I wanted her to have someone bring me a wheel chair in order to get to the lab for the blood work she wanted done.

  Oh BTW she is a NP and never is able to hear according to my records my heart murmur. So I am kind of wonder if she got her degree out of a cereal box or something.

  I say she needs more than just a swift kick. LOL

Dennis

Helpful - 0
1832736 tn?1325082968
I too suffer from itchy ears, I do not wear hearing aids, I've asked both my PCP and neurologist, both suggest I get some anti itch cream such as Cortizone 10 or similar and put a small amount on a Q-tip and rub it inside the ear canal, and it has served me well.

Norman
Helpful - 0
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