Itchy ears: causes and which doctor to see

For itchy ears you can first see: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) or Dermatology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: itching in the ear canal; dryness and flaking; a feeling of fullness in the ear; sometimes slight discharge or smell. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: cleaning out earwax too much and a dry ear canal; eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis; ear fungus; frequent swimming and moisture left in the ear; irritation from earphones and hearing aids; hay fever. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

When cotton bud use stops and the ear is kept dry, itching usually lessens within a few weeks. If there is fungus or eczema, it improves after the ENT specialist cleans the ear and with the drops they recommend.

It is more common in: people who often use cotton buds; swimmers; people who use earphones and hearing aids; people with eczema and psoriasis.

The ENT specialist examines the ear canal with an otoscope or microscope and takes a culture of any discharge if needed.

Leave earwax alone; the ear cleans itself. Use earplugs in the pool. Keep your ears dry.

Most of the time they are a sign of a dry ear canal or over-cleaning; if there is discharge and smell, fungus or infection is suspected.

Yes. They push wax further in, irritate the ear canal and raise the risk of infection; they can also damage the eardrum.

Dry the outer ear after every swim, tilt your head to let water drain and avoid cotton buds. If itching turns into pain, discharge or reduced hearing, see a doctor; it may be swimmer’s ear (otitis externa).

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there severe ear pain, swelling, fever and weakness of the face? (especially in people with diabetes)” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: the itching comes with discharge, pain or reduced hearing; you have noticed a layer with black and white dots in the ear (fungus); the itching has lasted for weeks.