The ear canal is a warm moist environment perfect for growing fungus or infections. If your ears itch it is most likely due to dry skin or otitis externa. Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear canal usually caused from swimming (same as swimmers ear). A drop of alcohol after swimming will help dry out the ear. If you are not a swimmer and have dry ears there is nothing wrong with putting a little lotion on a cotton swab or your fingertip and applying it to the outer ear (do not push anything down into the ear canal). If the itch is deep within the ear canal I recommend using audiologist's choice anti itch cream or just regular hydrocortisone cream. You can purchase this cream from most hearing professionals for about $10 a tube and it will last a long time.

It is best to use it at night. Put a little dab on a cotton swab and apply to the outer ear canal before bed. Let it soak in overnight and it should provide relief the following day.

If you are a hearing aid wearer and you have itchy ear canals you most likely have a natural fungus that has developed from wearing your hearing aid(s). Make sure you wash your hands before handling your hearing aids, wipe them off and clean them daily. I recommend using a disinfectant/sanitizing spray for cleaning if you are prone to itchy ears or infections. Then apply anti itch cream before bed (as mentioned above). Miracell and Eargene are a couple more products I have found to also give relief for ears. If these tips and products do not provide relief do not hesitate to call your audiologist or ear, nose and throat physician for a checkup.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 10 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene, (208) 664-2767. Visit www.affordablehearinginc.com for a free copy of the consumers guide to hearing aids and watch helpful videos.