menopause and itchy ears
By Lisa Collins | Fact Checked | Sources
Do you know why your ear is so susceptible to itching? It’s because this hidden region of the body is rich in nerve endings. Being unable to scratch an itch is really annoying and frustrating, right? If you’ve had an itchy ear, you know what we’re talking about. Let’s discover what can cause an itchy ear, especially in menopause, and what you can do about it.
What is an itchy ear?
The ear is much more than the outer part (pinna) that you see on the sides of your head. As sound waves approach the pinna, the vibrations travel down the external auditory canal until they reach the eardrum, which vibrates. The vibrations move to the middle ear, where there are three tiny bones that amplify the sound.
The middle ear is also where the Eustachian tube links the middle ear with the back of the nose. This tube is lined with mucus and helps equalize the pressure in the middle ear. From the middle ear, sound waves travel to the cochlea, the hearing organ. There are also receptors for balance in the ear.
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An itchy ear can occur for several reasons besides menopause. One is swimmer’s ear, which is a common infection associated with itchiness and ear pain. Another is a fungal infection called otomycosis, which may involve partial hearing loss and tinnitus. The common cold may also cause an itchy ear, and the itchiness may be associated with an inflamed throat. Wax buildup is another known cause.
A few other causes of itchy ear include chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, as well as allergies like hay fever, food allergies, and reactions to shampoos and conditioners. People who wear hearing aids may experience an itchy ear.
How is an itchy ear associated with menopause?
Estrogen promotes water retention. However, as estrogen levels decline, the mucus membranes in your ear can become drier. This can lead to an itchy ear, earache, hot ears, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Read about menopause and tinnitis
Itchy ear in perimenopause and menopause also can occur because of a lack of earwax (cerumen). This is common during these phases of life and causes the ears to become dry and itchy.
How to manage itchy ears naturally
Some of the first things you may feel like doing when your ears itch is to stick your fingers, cotton buds, ear picks, bobby pins, or other similarly-shaped objects into your ear canal. Don’t do it! You risk damaging your ear canal or eardrum and pushing any earwax further back into your ear.
Instead, try these natural remedies.
- Dry ear may be relieved by adding a drop of olive oil or baby oil to the ear canal.
- A drop or two of 70% rubbing alcohol in the ears may relieve itching
- If you believe excess wax buildup is the problem, you can use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or ear oil in your ear to loosen the wax. If this does not work, see your doctor for a professional ear flush or use an at-home irrigation kit.
- If a bacterial or fungal infection causes the itch, a 50:50 mixture of white vinegar with water can be used as drops several times a day.
- For ears that are moist and itchy, a 50:50 mixture of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol can dry out the ear and relieve the itch. This includes swimmer’s ear.
- For itchy ears associated with allergies, butterbur, quercetin, stinging nettle, or vitamin C supplements may help.
- Omega-3s like our Morphus Omega 3-T also decrease inflammation and help keep cellular membranes strong. This can also help with itchy ears.
Read about menopause and allergies
When to call your doctor
If your itchy ears have become severe or are affecting your daily activities, or you are experiencing other problems such as dizziness or earache along with the itching, contact your doctor. You may need an examination and possible ear irrigation.
Bottom line
An itchy ear is a common symptom among women in perimenopause and menopause. It typically can be treated without a doctor’s care and may eventually resolve on its own.
