A.I. Health Assistant Causes for Unilateral Ear Itch
The list below shows results from the use of our A.I. Health Assistant by Buoy users who experienced unilateral ear itch. This list does not constitute medical advice.
1.Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal.
7-10 days
- Rarity:
- Common
- Top Symptoms:
- fever, ear canal pain, ear fullness/pressure, jaw pain, ear pain that gets worse when moving
- Urgency:
- Primary care doctor
2.Earwax Blockage
Ear wax production is a normal process, as the body makes wax to protect the ear from infection. Sometimes ear wax can build up and cover the eardrum, which is a thin layer of skin that stretches across the end of the ear canal and picks up sound from outside. Ear wax buildup has nothing to do with poor hygiene, and it is not possible to prevent a build-up by washing.
Condition likely will go away on its own after 5 days without treatment. However, with pain, dizziness, or feelings of fullness, the earwax should be removed.
- Rarity:
- Uncommon
- Top Symptoms:
- dizziness, dry cough, ear canal pain, ear fullness/pressure, ringing in the ears
- Symptoms that never occur with earwax blockage:
- swollen ear, fever
- Urgency:
- Phone call or in-person visit
3.Chronic Earwax Blockage
Earwax production is a normal process, as the body makes wax to protect the ear from infection. Sometimes ear wax can build up and cover the eardrum which is a thin layer of skin that stretches across the end of the ear canal and picks up sound from outside.
With treatment, the condition will resolve.
- Rarity:
- Common
- Top Symptoms:
- dizziness, dry cough, ear canal pain, ringing in the ears, ear fullness/pressure
- Symptoms that always occur with chronic earwax blockage:
- ear canal pain
- Symptoms that never occur with chronic earwax blockage:
- swollen ear, fever
- Urgency:
- Phone call or in-person visit
4.Allergic Contact Dermatitis of the Ear
Allergic contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes irritated and inflamed following physical contact with an allergen. Common products known to cause allergic dermatitis include plants, metals, soap, fragrance, and cosmetics.
1-2 days
- Rarity:
- Common
- Top Symptoms:
- ear itch, ear redness, scabbed area of the ear
- Symptoms that always occur with allergic contact dermatitis of the ear:
- ear redness
- Urgency:
- Self-treatment
Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Unilateral Ear Itch
- Q.Any fever today or during the last week?
- Q.Is there anything coming from your ear(s)?
- Q.Do you use cotton-tipped swabs (q-tips) to clean your ears?
- Q.Do you use a hearing aid or wear earplugs?
If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions, try our unilateral ear itch symptom checker to find out more.
Take QuizUnilateral Ear Itch Symptom Checker Statistics
People who have experienced unilateral ear itch have also experienced:
- 8% Pain in One Ear Canal
- 4% Sore Throat
- 3% Ear Fullness / Pressure
People who have experienced unilateral ear itch had symptoms persist for:
- 33% Over a Month
- 28% Less Than a Week
- 22% Less Than a Day
People who have experienced unilateral ear itch were most often matched with:
- 50% Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
- 25% Earwax Blockage
- 25% Chronic Earwax Blockage
Source: Aggregated and anonymized results from visits to the Buoy AI health assistant (check it out by clicking on “Take Quiz”).