Do You Have Itchy Ears? 6 Remedies To Try

Itchy ears can feel like a minor inconvenience, but they can quickly become a constant distraction. If you find yourself reaching for a cotton swab or scratching at your ears throughout the day, you’re not alone. Itchy ears are a common issue—and the solution may be simpler than you think.

In this guide, we’ll explore what causes itchy ears, the best ways to find relief, and when to talk to a hearing care provider.

Why Are Your Ears So Itchy?

Many people assume ear itching is caused by wax buildup or poor hygiene. But in most cases, it’s not about being clean—it’s about keeping the delicate skin inside your ears healthy and protected. Overcleaning, allergic reactions, moisture, and even your favorite earbuds may all be part of the problem.

1. Moisturize Dry Ears Gently and Consistently

Dry skin is one of the most common causes of itchy ears. Like the skin on your hands or face, the skin in your ear canals can become irritated when it’s stripped of moisture. Cold air, excessive washing, or harsh soaps may all contribute.

What You Can Do:

• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the outer ear canal using a clean fingertip.

• Use a soft, unscented, hypoallergenic moisturizer designed for sensitive skin.

• Limit exposure to hot water and scented soaps during bathing or showering.

Avoid applying moisturizers deep into the ear canal. The goal is to soothe the outer area without trapping moisture or causing buildup.

Bottom line: Keeping your skin hydrated helps stop that persistent itch before it starts.

2. Use Ear Drops Safely to Manage Earwax Buildup

Earwax is more than just a nuisance—it protects your ear canal from dust, bacteria, and moisture. However, too much earwax can lead to itching, pressure, or even hearing loss.

Some people make the problem worse by cleaning too often or too aggressively. Cotton swabs, hairpins, and ear candles can push wax further inside or damage the skin.

At-Home Solutions:

• Use over-the-counter ear drops to soften wax naturally.

• Place a few drops in the ear and lie on your side for a few minutes.

• Afterward, tilt your head to let the wax drain and gently dry the outer ear.

If drops don’t help, or if you experience pain or drainage, contact your hearing care provider. They can remove impacted wax safely without damaging your eardrum.

Avoid this mistake: Never try to dig wax out on your own. You could worsen the blockage or cause an infection.

Wax build up can even cause your ears to make odd sounds.

3. Keep Hearing Aids and Earbuds Clean and Dry

Hearing aids and earbuds improve your daily life—but they can also irritate your ears. The skin in your ear canal is delicate. When devices press on this skin or trap moisture, you may experience redness, dryness, or itchiness.

Best Practices:

• Clean your hearing aids or earbuds daily with a dry, lint-free cloth.

• Store them in a cool, dry place and allow proper ventilation.

• Check for fit issues with a hearing care provider if your devices feel too tight.

If you notice more itching after wearing your hearing devices, it might be due to friction, moisture buildup, or even an allergic reaction to the materials.

Try this tip: Ask your provider about moisture-barrier ear gels like MiraCell ProEar. They can make wearing devices more comfortable.

Discover more about the top hearing aid accessories that can help.

4. Treat Skin Conditions Like Eczema and Psoriasis Proactively

Itchy ears may not always start in the ears themselves. Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis can all cause inflammation, redness, and dryness inside and around the ears.

These skin disorders often appear in hard-to-see places—like inside the ear canal.

Common Signs:

• Flaky, dry skin behind or inside the ears.

• Red patches or plaques that itch or ooze.

• Itching that worsens during allergy seasons or cold, dry weather.

What Helps:

• Use gentle, fragrance-free shampoos and cleansers.

• Apply prescribed ear drops or creams from your healthcare provider.

• Avoid scratching, as this may lead to infection or bleeding.

Your hearing care provider can check for visible skin irritation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

5. Identify and Avoid Allergens and Irritants

Allergic reactions can affect your ears just like they affect your eyes or nose. This includes food allergies, environmental triggers, and skin sensitivities. Jewelry made with nickel, for instance, can cause contact dermatitis, resulting in itching, swelling, or dryness.

Possible Triggers:

• Earrings, especially those with nickel or plastic.

• Hair products, shampoos, or sprays.

• Hearing aid materials or earbud plastics.

• Foods like nuts, apples, melons, or shellfish (oral allergy syndrome).

How to Find Relief:

• Stop using products that cause symptoms.

• Take oral antihistamines for seasonal or food allergies.

• Avoid metal jewelry if you notice skin irritation or swelling.

If you’re unsure of the cause, your doctor can run allergy tests to pinpoint the problem.

Key takeaway: Treating allergic reactions early can prevent ear infections and long-term irritation.

6. Use Safe, Gentle At-Home Remedies (With Caution)

Some home remedies can help soothe mildly itchy ears, but they must be used properly. Using the wrong method or applying drops with an active infection can make things worse.

Safe Options:

• Apply a drop of 70% rubbing alcohol (only if there is no pain or drainage).

• Use hydrogen peroxide occasionally to break down wax and reduce bacteria.

• Try petroleum jelly to soothe outer ear dryness.

What to Avoid:

• Essential oils like tea tree, garlic, or olive oil—they may irritate sensitive skin.

• Ear candles, which can burn or push wax deeper.

• Over-the-counter numbing drops with benzocaine, which don’t provide long-term relief.

If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your hearing care provider for a safer, more effective solution.

Why Do My Ears Itch More at Night?

You may notice itchy ears get worse when you’re trying to fall asleep. That’s not your imagination. There are several biological reasons why your ears might itch more at night.

Here’s Why It Happens:

• Your circadian rhythm increases blood flow to the skin during rest.

• Your body slows the release of natural anti-inflammatory chemicals as you sleep.

• Hormonal changes related to your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause may increase sensitivity.

• You may be reacting to products used in your evening routine, like shampoo or soap.

• Certain medications, like antibiotics or diuretics, may cause nighttime itching as a side effect.

If the itching keeps you awake or interrupts your rest, try switching to fragrance-free products, lowering shower water temperature, and patting ears completely dry before bed.

Still struggling? A hearing care provider can check for infection or dryness and recommend nighttime relief options.

When Should You Talk to a Hearing Care Provider?

Most cases of itchy ears aren’t dangerous—but some symptoms require professional attention. Don’t ignore these warning signs:

• Persistent itching lasting more than a few days

• Ear pain, swelling, or visible redness

• Drainage or a foul odor from the ear canal

• Sudden or ongoing hearing changes

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Itchiness that interferes with daily life or sleep

A hearing care provider can check for infection, wax impaction, device-related irritation, or skin conditions. They can also clean your ears safely if needed.

Can You Prevent Itchy Ears?

Yes! Many cases of ear itching are preventable with just a few healthy habits.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears.

• Don’t over-clean—your ears are naturally self-cleaning.

• Moisturize dry skin with safe, unscented products.

• Clean hearing aids and earbuds daily.

• Remove earrings or change materials if you notice irritation.

• Limit exposure to allergens and harsh skin products.

A little prevention goes a long way. Treat your ears gently and avoid unnecessary irritation.

Explore our guide to ear care for World Hearing Day. 

Don’t Let Itchy Ears Disrupt Your Life

Whether it’s caused by dry skin, wax buildup, allergies, or hearing device irritation, itchy ears can take a toll on your comfort and concentration. The key to lasting relief is understanding the root cause and treating it with care.

At Stanford Hearing, we understand how disruptive itchy ears can be—especially for those wearing hearing aids or experiencing hearing challenges. Our team offers customized care to relieve your symptoms, improve comfort, and keep your ears healthy.

Ready to stop the itch? Contact Stanford Hearing today to schedule your appointment.