What’s worse than getting hand sanitiser in a paper cut? OK, plenty of things. But a relentlessly itchy inner ear might top the list of minor bodily annoyances. That crawling sensation you just can’t reach? It’s enough to drive anyone a little bit mad.
So what’s behind the urge to stick your pinky in your ear and give it a good scratch and why does it never help?
We asked ear health experts to break down the itch and how to stop it before it starts.
First, it’s not really your “inner ear”
It’s technically a bit misleading to call it an inner ear itch, explains Dr Hae-Ok Ana Kim. That maddening feeling is coming from the skin of your outer ear canal—close enough to sense, but still too far in to reach safely.
The skin in this area is delicate and prone to irritation, especially when exposed to common triggers.
Common causes of itchy ears
Here are some of the biggest culprits behind that hard-to-reach irritation:
Earbuds and hearing aids
Using these devices for extended periods can trap moisture, introduce bacteria or allergens, or simply rub the skin raw over time. “Prolonged wear can irritate the ear canal and disrupt its natural balance,” says board-certified ENT surgeon Dr Geoffrey Trenkle.
Cottons swabs and over-cleaning
It might feel satisfying, but poking around your ear with cotton swabs isn’t doing you any favours. Daily swabbing can actually cause more harm than good, says Dr Trenkle. “It can strip away the ear’s natural protective oils, cause tiny abrasions or push debris deeper into the canal,” he explains. The result? Dry, irritated skin—and even more itching.
Allergies or skin conditions
Like the rest of your skin, the ear canal can react to allergens, eczema or other skin conditions. Cotton swabs can make things worse by increasing sensitivity or aggravating existing inflammation. “Inflammation is a common culprit, whether it’s triggered by irritation, allergies or external substances,” says Dr Kim. A lack of natural earwax or conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis can also leave ears feeling itchy and uncomfortable, adds Dr Trenkle.
Infection
Warm, moist environments (think frequent swimming or not drying ears properly after a shower) are the perfect breeding ground for fungal or bacterial infections. If your ear feels itchy and you’ve recently spent time in the water, it might be time to check in with your GP.
Excessive earwax
Some people just produce more wax. When it builds up or becomes impacted, it can irritate the ear canal and create that persistent itchy sensation. “If the wax is pushed in too far or feels compacted, it’s best to see a professional,” says Dr Trenkle. At-home earwax removal kits or gentle irrigation can help—just steer clear of poking and digging.
Home remedies for ear itch
The best way to soothe and prevent ear itching? Keep the canal moisturised and free from anything that doesn’t belong—except for your body’s natural earwax.
Apply mineral oil or ear drops
Moisturising your ear canal can ease irritation. Dr Kim suggests placing a couple of drops of mineral oil or baby oil at the entrance of the canal using a clean dropper. “Once a week after showering or before bed is ideal,” she says. Over-the-counter ear drops can help too—some include anti-inflammatory ingredients or soothing hydrators like glycerine. Just make sure there’s nothing already stuck in your ear before applying anything, she adds.
Clean earbuds and hearing aids regularly
Wearing these devices too often can cause irritation or trap moisture. Keep them clean and give your ears a break when you can, says Dr Trenkle.
Keep your canals dry
Water trapped in the ears can lead to infection or make itching worse. “Use earplugs when swimming and dry your ears gently with a towel or hairdryer on a low setting after showering,” advises Dr Trenkle.
Try a warm compress
If your ears feel itchy from dryness or mild inflammation, placing a warm (not hot) compress near the outside of the ear may help relieve discomfort, says Dr Trenkle.
Avoid scratching
As tempting as it is, resist the urge to dig around with fingers, cotton buds or hairpins. Scratching can worsen irritation and even cause small injuries inside the canal.
When to see a doctor about itchy ears
If you suspect allergies are behind the itch, your GP can examine the area and recommend a suitable treatment. If you’re also experiencing drainage, pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, dizziness or swelling, it’s time to get checked out. These could be signs of an infection or another condition that needs medical attention.
Newsletter
