Itchy Ears: 8 Causes And How To Get Relief

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhy do my ears itch? Causes and treatments

Medically reviewed by Skye D. Quamina, Au.D., CCC-A — Written by Beth Sissons — Updated on May 15, 2025

Earwax blockage
Ear infections
Skin conditions
Otitis externa
Hearing aids
Food allergies
Allergic rhinitis
FAQ
Summary

Common causes of itchy ears include infection, blockages, and skin conditions. Treatments can depend on the underlying cause, but home remedies may help in some cases.

Possible treatments may include ear drops, antibiotics, or irrigation.

In this article, learn about the causes of itchy ears, as well as which treatments and home remedies can help.

Earwax blockage

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A buildup of earwax can cause itchy ears and affect a person’s hearing.

The ears produce earwax to help keep the ear clean and protect the inner ear from infection. Earwax naturally moves out of the ear, carrying dead skin cells and debris, where it will then dry out and fall away over time.

A buildup of earwax can happen if people stick something into their ear canal, which is the small tunnel that connects the outer ear to the middle and inner ear.

If people insert a cotton swab, bobby pin, finger, or twisted cloth into their ear, it can irritate the ear canal and push earwax farther back, causing a blockage.

An earwax blockage can trap bacteria in the ear and cause an infection.

Treatment

People can clean their outer ear using a cloth, but should not insert anything into the ear canal. If earwax is blocking the ear, a few drops of baby oil or over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops can loosen the wax.

If this is not effective, a doctor may irrigate the ear using a saline solution to flush out the excess earwax.

»Learn more:How to get earwax out of your ear

Ear infections

Itchy ears can sometimes be due to an infection or a sign that one is developing. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), symptoms of an ear infection can develop quickly and include:

pain located inside the ear
itching in and around the ear
scaly skin in and around the ear
discharge
high temperature
difficulty hearing
pressure or fullness inside the ear

Bacteria and viruses can cause ear infections in conjunction with a cold or flu. Infections can also occur if someone has water trapped in their ear or a buildup of earwax.

Treatment

Many ear infections resolve within 3 days, and a person can speak with a pharmacist for advice on how to treat them at home. Persistent or recurring ear infections may require medical treatment from a doctor.

Skin conditions

People who have a skin condition in this area might experience itchy ears. Some people might also notice inflamed, scaly patches on or around the ear.

Conditions that may cause itchy ears include:

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a condition caused by an overactive immune system. It causes raised, inflamed, scaly patches of skin. Approximately 50% of people with psoriasis develop it on their face, including in and around the ears.
Dermatitis (eczema): The National Eczema Society notes that eczema often affects the face. There are many different types of eczema, and the most common type to affect the face is called seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause itching and flaking around the ears and eyebrows. Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis is another common cause of eczema on the face. These types of eczema can develop when the skin develops an irritation or allergic reaction after coming into contact with a certain substance.

The skin around the ears can also become dry if a person cleans their ears too often. The ears usually produce oil and earwax to keep the ear clean and healthy. If people clean their ears too much, it can remove the wax from the ear and dry it out, causing irritating itchiness.

If people have dry ears, they may notice flakes of dry skin around their ears.

Treatment

If skin dryness causes itchy ears, a person can use a suitable moisturiser or try putting a few drops of olive oil or baby oil on their ear.

If a skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema, is causing an itchy ear, people may need to use a topical medication to treat the condition.

Otitis externa

Otitis externa refers to inflammation of the outer part of the ear canal. It can develop due to an infection or other non-infectious causes.

It is often referred to as Swimmer’s ear because it can develop when water becomes trapped in the ear. Bacteria can multiply in the trapped water, causing an infection.

Swimmer’s ear can make the ear feel very itchy. If people have swimmer’s ear, they may also notice the following symptoms:

pain in the ear
pain in the neck, face, or head
inflammation around the ear
ear feels blocked
drainage from the ear
difficulty hearing

Treatment

If a person develops otitis externa, they should contact a doctor, as treatment often involves pain relief and antibiotic drops.

»Learn more:How to treat otitis externa

Hearing aids

Hearing aids can sometimes cause itchy ears because of their plastic coating. Some people may have sensitive skin or a mild allergic reaction to the material. This is called irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.

People wearing hearing aids may also experience itchy ears if water gets trapped behind the hearing aid, resulting in otitis externa.

If people have an itchy ear due to pressure from the hearing aid, a specialist can remold the hearing aid so that it fits better.

Treatment

People should also ensure they get their hearing aid correctly fitted for their ear, as an ill-fitting hearing aid can cause irritation. A doctor can also help determine if a person is having an allergic reaction to their hearing aid.

A person may also require medical treatment if their hearing aids cause otitis externa.

Food allergies

An allergic reaction to a certain food can cause people to have itchy ears. Common food allergies include:

nuts
eggs
milk
fish and shellfish
wheat
soy

People may also experience itchiness on the rest of the face. Some people develop hives.

Oral allergy syndrome is a type of allergic reaction related to pollen that typically causes itchiness around the mouth, but some people also report having itchy ears.

Common foods that cause oral allergy syndrome include:

fruits, such as apples, melons, cherries, kiwi, and bananas
sunflower seeds
almonds
hazelnuts

If a person has trouble breathing after eating or coming into contact with an allergen, they may be experiencing anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:

hives
swelling of the face or mouth
wheezing
fast, shallow breathing
a fast heart rate
clammy skin
anxiety or confusion
dizziness
vomiting
blue or white lips
fainting or loss of consciousness

If someone has these symptoms:

Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
Assist the person in moving from a sitting position to lying down. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5 to 15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.

Treatment

Treatment for food allergies often involves antihistamines and avoiding the allergen. A person can work with an allergen specialist to come up with a treatment plan that works best for them.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, occurs when people have an allergic reaction to common air particles, such as pollen, dust mites, or animal fur.

It can cause itchiness in the ears, eyes, and throat, along with:

watery eyes
a runny nose
headaches
sneezing
congestion

People may also experience itchy ears due to congestion caused by a common cold. This will usually pass as people recover from the cold.

Treatment

People with itchy ears due to allergic rhinitis may need antihistamines to manage their condition. If food allergies are causing itchy ears, people can track their diet and symptoms to identify which foods trigger symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my ears so itchy inside?

A variety of common conditions like ear infections, allergies, and a buildup of earwax can cause itchiness. Swimmer’s ear and wearing hearing aids can also cause itchy ears.

What is a good home remedy for itchy ears?

A drop of oil can help with itchiness caused by dry ears, and people with a buildup of earwax can try a home irrigation kit. However, people with conditions like psoriasis and allergic rhinitis may need medication or prescription creams.

Can I put peroxide in my itchy ear?

In some cases, this can be helpful. To treat swimmer’s ear, mix a solution with half peroxide or rubbing alcohol and half vinegar. Applying drops can help dry out excess water in the ear.

What allergy causes itchy ears?

Sometimes, certain food allergies — like nut, dairy, and shellfish — can cause itchy ears. Another cause is allergic rhinitis (hayfever).

Can itchy ears develop due to perimenopause?

Although itchy ears is not a well-documented symptom of perimenopause, it can cause skin changes, such as dry and itchy skin. This might affect the skin around the ears.

Summary

There are many causes of itchy ears, such as skin conditions, ear infections, earwax buildup, hay fever, and food allergies. If a person has persistent itchy ears or the itching is accompanied by other symptoms, they should contact a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

People may be able to relieve the itching at home by applying a few drops of olive oil into the ear and applying a suitable moisturiser.

If an infection is causing the itchiness, a person may require antibiotics. In cases of earwax blockage, a doctor can safely remove the earwax and provide prevention tips.

Ear, Nose, and Throat
Hearing / Deafness
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Pain / Anesthetics

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Ear infections. (2025).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/
Facial eczema. (n.d.).https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/facial-eczema/#seborrhoeic-dermatitis
Food allergies. (2025).https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/food-allergies
Hay fever. (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/
Medina-Blasin Y, et al. (2023). Otitis externa.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556055/
Menopause. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/
Pollen food allergy syndrome. (2019).https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/pollen-food-allergy-syndrome/
Psoriasis on the face. (2025).https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-on-the-face/
Sevy JO, et al. (2023). Cerumen impaction removal.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448155/

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Medically reviewed by Skye D. Quamina, Au.D., CCC-A — Written by Beth Sissons — Updated on May 15, 2025

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Earwax blockage

Treatment

Ear infections

Treatment

Skin conditions

Treatment

Otitis externa

Treatment

Hearing aids

Treatment

Food allergies

Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do

Treatment

Allergic rhinitis

Treatment

Frequently asked questions

Why are my ears so itchy inside?

What is a good home remedy for itchy ears?

Can I put peroxide in my itchy ear?

What allergy causes itchy ears?

Can itchy ears develop due to perimenopause?

Summary

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