There are a few reasons why eczema in the ears can lead to hearing problems, which is why prompt treatment or, even better, prevention, is so important.
So what’s going on?
Well, the main issue is that skin with eczema is prone to infection. If skin is scratched, dry, cracked or broken then microbes (such as yeast and bacteria) can get in and lead to the skin getting infected. Infection means inflammation and swelling, as well as weeping, pus and crusts. If the eczema is in your ear canal, which is already a pretty tight space, then any amount of inflammation or debris is going to be problematic.
However, even if it's not infected, eczema in the ears can result in a build-up of wax, skin scales and flakes, etc., which can also block the ear canal and result in temporary hearing loss.
Luckily most problems will resolve with treatment; once you’ve overcome the eczema, then your hearing should improve!
If there's a lot of debris which needs cleaning out of the ear canal, do not poke the canal yourself! Go to the doctor, or consider getting professionals to clean out the ear canal with specialist equipment (this process is known as 'aural toilet').
Check out our article on the Best Natural Treatment for Ear Eczema.
If you’re worried about ear eczema either getting infected or not getting better, see your GP to get it checked out.
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