Vinegar and alcohol mixed together will flush bacteria from your ear, and remove any loose debris (like dust, or bugs) as it cleans the inside of your ear. Don’t let this mixture sit too long, and don’t use too much of it. Let it sit for just a few moments, then drain it out. Make sure you get out any remaining liquid from your ears.
Don’t put more than a few drops of warm oil into your ears at a time. Wait a few hours for the oil to absorb and moisten the inside of your ear canal before applying anymore. The oil will work as a moisturizer for the skin inside of your ear. But, you don’t want to use oil that is meant for your body, such as baby oil or scented oil. These could cause further irritation. You can also try a traditional blend of mullein oil and garlic. You can make your own by steeping mullein flowers and chopped garlic in olive oil over low heat for 4 hours, or you can purchase pre-made mullein garlic oil. Place a few drops into the affected ear 2-3 times per day. [2] X Research source When using oil to treat painful or itchy ears, you can also place a few drops of oil onto a cotton ball and tuck the cotton ball into your ear overnight to allow the oil to absorb into your ear more slowly. [3] X Research source
Using this method too often could backfire and lead to your ears drying out, or cause an infection. If this remedy doesn’t help after 1 or 2 tries, cease using the peroxide and seek medical advice. [5] X Research source
If your ear is itching due to an allergy or outside cause, these drops may help alleviate the irritation. Just make sure you don’t use more than the dosage on the packaging calls for.
Carefully read all labels on any medications. Take only the recommended dosage. Some antihistamines and allergy medicines can cause drowsiness, so if you need to operate machinery or go to work, make sure you take a brand that is specifically labeled as non-drowsy. [8] X Research source
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists are trained specifically in these areas of the body. If you have a condition that your primary care doctor is concerned about, he or she may refer you to one of these specialists for further care.
Ear wax protects your ear canal from water and infection. Using a cotton swab or anything smaller to clean it out will actually only create more problems for your ears. [11] X Research source
You can even do this in the shower with a clean washcloth. Just make sure you don’t stick anything into the inner part of your ear. Clean only the outside, and make sure you get all the soap off if you use it. [13] X Research source
Also wear earplugs when attending loud concerts or other noisy events. Try to keep the volume low on your earbuds when listening to music. Loud noise may damage your inner ear over time, and cause eventual depletion of your hearing. [14] X Research source
If you recently had your ears pierced and you are experiencing itchiness or soreness in the lobe, you may have a mild infection in the new piercing. Make sure you handle your pierced ears with clean hands, and treat them with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol a few times a day. If the infection worsens or persists, see a doctor. [15] X Research source Dry skin on the outer ear can cause itchiness. If the dry skin appears on places like your ears, face, or scalp, it may be a common condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Simple over-the-counter dandruff shampoos or products with ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc, or coal tar can help treat this condition. Wash the affected area with a medicated shampoo or soap once or twice a day. [16] X Research source
Read labels on all personal hygiene products. Make sure nothing you use contains any ingredients you have a history of reacting badly to. Your ears can react to allergens the same way as other parts of your body, so an allergic reaction could be causing your itchy ears. [17] X Research source
If you wear either of these things regularly, take them out and clean them thoroughly. Allow them to dry completely before putting them back into your ear. Hearing aids need to be properly fitted to your ears. If they don’t fit properly, they might irritate the sensitive skin inside your ears and cause itchiness and irritation.
Don’t worry—bugs in ears aren’t very common. But, if you happen to live in a place with a high bug population, and those bugs are often in the same room where you sleep, then you might be at a higher risk for this to happen.
Try not to stick anything in your ears, even to check for wax. Let a doctor look in with a scope. They will be able to see how much wax is in your ear, and you won’t risk damaging the delicate parts of your inner ear. [19] X Research source
