Why Do My Ears and Throat Itch?

Have you ever had to ask yourself, “Why do my ears and throat itch so bad?” You’re not alone. Itchy ears and throat are common conditions that can quickly grow from an uncomfortable distraction to a full sinus infection. However, when diagnosed and treated properly, these symptoms are not harmful and are easily cured. 

Learn more about these conditions so that the next time you ask yourself, “Why do my ears and throat itch?” you’ll know how to nip your discomfort in the bud. 

What causes an itchy throat and ears? Pt. 1: Interrelated sinus issues.

Since the ears, nose, and throat are all connected, it’s relatively easy for one issue to create a domino effect throughout the whole system. For instance, you may experience an itchy throat due to post-nasal drip. 

Post-nasal drip can be temporarily caused by allergies, certain weather conditions, the common cold, and even sinusitis. It is a common diagnosis that is caused by your body producing excess mucus. It is felt mainly in the back of the nose and throat, but can also lead to itchy ears if your sinuses are not draining properly. 

(Speaking of post-nasal drip, have you ever wondered where does sinus drainage go? Check out our post to learn more!) 

What causes an itchy throat and ears? Pt. 2: Allergies and other causes. 

If the itch in your ears is not caused by excessive earwax, you could also be experiencing allergic rhinitis or hay fever. This can occur when your immune system reacts to particles in your environment that are otherwise not harmful, such as pollen, mold or pet dander. These allergens may also cause an itchy throat, cough, itchy eyes, and other signs of irritation. 

In some cases, you may experience itchy ears at night more intensely due to your body’s daily cycles of temperature regulation and fluid balance. In other words, your itching may worsen as the result of a rise in skin temperature or your skin losing more water at night. 

Finally, you may experience itchy inner ears due to an ear infection, dry ears, otitis externa (swimmers ear) or food allergies. If you suspect it is a food allergy, your mouth may swell in addition to your ears and throat.

But why does my inner ear itch? 

Meanwhile, if you’re thinking, “Why does my inner ear itch,” it could be the result of suddenly having so much ear wax. Ear wax is the body’s way of cleaning out dead skin cells and dirt, but an influx of earwax can make your ears itch. Ear wax buildup can result from frequently wearing headphones, wearing a hearing aid, or simply being prone to natural buildup. In any case, you should never attempt to remove heavy buildup on your own as you could cause damage to your inner ear. 

A note on safely removing earwax

Before you reach for the q-tip, remember that, if pushed too far, a q-tip can cause irreversible damage to the eardrum that can lead to infection or hearing loss. Instead, use a q-tip to clean only the outside of your ears, rather than inside the ear canal.

If you’d prefer to avoid q-tips all together, you can also gently remove earwax by wetting a washcloth with warm water and gliding it around the outside ear. 

To soften earwax, use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of baby oil inside your ear canal. After a few days, use an eyedropper to apply warm water, then irrigate. You can also soften earwax with over-the-counter ear drops

How to get rid of your itchy ears and throat 

Now that you know the answer to, “Why do my ears and throat itch?” you probably want to know how to make the itching stop. Fortunately, you can treat most causes of itchy ears and an itchy throat using over-the-counter medicines. 

You may also find relief by taking advantage of the following natural home remedies:

• Purchasing a humidifier to keep your sinuses open and hydrated
• Sleeping on propped up pillows to combat drainage issues
• Getting tested for any food allergies to avoid
• Learning about the best foods to clear sinuses
• Staying up to date on the Houston pollen count so you can plan to remain indoors when counts are high. 

If your itchy ears and throat evolve to drainage and stuffy sinuses that lasts longer than 10 days, visit your local ENT doctor in Houston as soon as possible, as they may be a sign of a larger medical issue. Should your itchy ears and throat be caused by recurrent sinus issues, such as chronic sinus infection or chronic allergies, your ENT may recommend more proactive treatments such as Clarifix for Rhinitis or Balloon sinuplasty.

Find relief from your itchy ears and throat at Kaplan Sinus Relief

Whether you’re wondering “Why do my ears and throat itch?” or “Why do I have so much ear wax all of a sudden?” your local ENT is one of the best resources for receiving treatment.

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we have the experience necessary to properly diagnose your condition and find the right procedure for you. Give us a call today at 713-766-1818 or visit our request an appointment online.

More Helpful Articles from Kaplan Sinus Relief

• Fighting Autumn Allergies 
• Nasal Swelling Causes
• What to Do When You Have A Stuffy Nose & Can’t Breathe
• Why Your Sinus Headache Won’t Go Away
• Sinus Infections & Bad Odor