

They can advise you on the cause of your ear problems and identify the seriousness of the problem. If you are concerned about itchy ears caused by a cold or the flu, you can speak to your doctor or to an ENT specialist.
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It can be difficult to diagnose, so if you have the flu and experience any hearing loss, seek the advice of your health care professional immediately to protect your hearing. This hearing loss can be permanent if not spotted and treated very quickly. This happens when the flu virus attacks the inner ear. This is when the nerves in the inner ear that transmits sound signals to the brain become damaged. However, the flu can also cause sensorineural hearing loss, which is more serious.

The flu can also cause similar symptoms in the ears, which tend to resolve themselves. You might experience a popping of the ears or hearing loss, which resolves itself when the cold has passed. This irritation then blocks the Eustachian tube, making the ears itchy, full, or congested. After a few days of cold symptoms like a stuffy nose, the lining of the middle ear becomes irritated. This can also become infected, which leads to dizziness and ringing in the ear, or potentially a loss of balance.Ĭolds and allergies are the most likely to cause an infection of the middle ear. When this becomes clogged with mucus, pressure builds up, causing hearing difficulty and itchiness in the ear. This part of the ear acts as a pressure release valve. Infection usually occurs in the middle ear, where your Eustachian tube is. When you are unwell, the outer ear can become swollen or red. The outer ear is the outside part of your ear and ear canal. If you have symptoms for more than two weeks or get worse instead of better, see your doctor. Most colds will clear up on their own within seven to ten days. Combination cold medicines also work well.

Take an over the counter pain reliever, and try decongestant pills or nasal sprays. There is no cure for the common cold, but you can relieve some of your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or lingering, you should consider calling your doctor. Oral antihistamines are more common, but the same brands often offer topical formulas as well. To relieve itchy ears, try an oral or cream-based antihistamine, such as fexofenadine, diphenhydramine or loratadine. TreatmentĪ mild cold or allergy treatments can be treated at home with pain relief, decongestants, and antihistamines that can be bought over the counter without a prescription.

Your ears can be affected by a cold, thanks to congestion that makes the ears feel thick, congested and itchy. You will usually experience symptoms over a few days, including: A cold can be caused by many different viruses, and are spread when someone infected sneezes or coughs, leaving droplets containing the virus into the air.Ī cold is not serious but can be annoying. Most adults will experience two or three colds a year. Common coldĪ cold is one of the most common afflictions people can get. Knowing the difference and when to seek medical attention is very important if you are going to protect your hearing. This hearing loss can be temporary, caused by your cold, or can be more serious, caused by the flu virus. Itchy ears can sometimes be accompanied by hearing loss. By treating the cause, you can ease the annoyance of itchy ears. Usually, when part of the seasonal cold, itchy ears are nothing to worry about, although when joined by other symptoms, it can be a sign of something more serious.Ĭold, flu and allergies can all cause itchy ears. Itchy ears can be annoying and uncomfortable but is a symptom that should be paid attention to. Itchy ears can be a sign of a few different conditions, including the common cold. Hearing Health Why Do Your Ears Itch When You Have a Cold or the Flu?
