Tingling inside of ear canal

[ScooterFive]

I have had this problem off and on for several months, but recently, it has gotten worse. I have severe tingling within my ear canal. It almost feels like it itches, but using a Q-tip doesn't help at all. It just seems to come and go. I had a doctor look at it, but there is nothing in the canal. He suggested it was a nerve problem and gave me something for a nerve infection, but that didn't help. I have even had an MRI, but that didn't show anything either. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[jckgales]

Sorry to hear about tingling, I also started getting a sensation like a caterpiller was in my ear canal, dr couldn't see anything suggested a chriopractor, I also got pain in my jaw on same side. The chriopractor said it was from a whiplash auto accident I had been in. I got adjustments, deep tissue massages, and a bite plate made. I personally think the massages helped the most. It went almost completely away for about a month and now its back. (I have a head cold?) I have searched for causes and come up with very little. But the Dentist said C-1 in you cervical spine can cause tmj which can cause numbing, maybe something to check into.
Good Luck
Jackie

[energata]

I truly know the sensations you both are mentioning.....for the past 10 years or more I've had a "tingling" in what feels like just behind my ear canal in my right ear. I often describe it has "placing a blade of grass into your ear to tickle it" and like was said, I use Q Tips to try and scratch it but to no avail.

Throughout the years, I don't know how I've managed to live with this, some days/weeks/months its worse than others and its getting to a point where I really feel I can't handle too much more of this ****. I've had MRI's, CAT scans, hearing tests, ENT visits, ear cleaning etc etc...and everyone says they can't find anything, or even that I'm making it up (that doctor almost had a very bad day....). Not too long ago, my GP mentioned that it might be TMJ related, or related to my jaw somehow....I can see how this MAY be a factor, and bringing my lower jaw forward deliberately seems to relieve that feeling A bit...so I don't know...........I don't know what to do....I am NOT crazy....I am NOT imagining this....but I also don't know how much more of this **** I can take. I am often asked how i dealt with this so long....and quite honestly, I don't know. I think its one of those things where many times my mind blocks it on a subconscious level sometimes...with minor relief now and again. If it wasn't for the fact that I was in an incredible relationship with the girl of my dreams since Jan of this year, (not meaning to sound corny), I don't know how this would have played out and just how long I could have hung on....any ANY advice, help or discussion would be sincerely appreciated...I am on my last round of efforts to get to the bottom of this and any help is so welcomed...people, I have even played with the idea of getting a loan so I could offer a reward to anyone who can help me solve this. I don't mean to sound desperate, but....I am.

[bruegger84]

I have had this problem off and on for several months, but recently, it has gotten worse. I have severe tingling within my ear canal. It almost feels like it itches, but using a Q-tip doesn't help at all. It just seems to come and go. I had a doctor look at it, but there is nothing in the canal. He suggested it was a nerve problem and gave me something for a nerve infection, but that didn't help. I have even had an MRI, but that didn't show anything either. Any suggestions would be helpful.

what did they end up giving you for a nerve infection?? I have problems with my nerves too, and i had similar sensations in my ear.

[Visitorr]

I have had this problem off and on for several months, but recently, it has gotten worse. I have severe tingling within my ear canal. It almost feels like it itches, but using a Q-tip doesn't help at all. It just seems to come and go. I had a doctor look at it, but there is nothing in the canal. He suggested it was a nerve problem and gave me something for a nerve infection, but that didn't help. I have even had an MRI, but that didn't show anything either. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Did you start getting this sensation at (or around) the time your wisdom tooth started to grow?

[Random Guy]

I recently have had been receiving this tingling feeling in the right ear. To me, it feels as if an insect is crawling around in my ear, but nothing is there. I have been checking online for similar cases and have found a lot. All have no answer to what it is or how to get rid of the problem. I also found that in all the cases, no two have the same reasons for the cause of this problem. Some blamed medication, others an accident. In my case, I am on no medication and have no one or anything to blame. I just woke up one day and it started to happen. I just want to know what this is.

[craigwreid]

Hello all - I have the same problem:

On and off for the last 2 years or so I’ve had a tingling just at the entrance to my right ear. It feels like a little bug is crawling around underneath my skin – it’s also kind of itchy. It seems to get worse when I lie down and go to sleep.

I went to the doctor about it but I think he thought it was just dermatitis, which it obviously isn’t. Needless to say, the cream he gave me had no effect. I have recently noticed, however that if I hold my nose and blow or crack my jaw to clear the ears (like you’d do on a plane) it goes away temporarily. It seems to have gotten worse recently and now causes me trouble getting to sleep – it’s quite an uncomfortable sensation.

The only contributing factors I can think of is that about 5 years ago the right side of my jaw was broken and I now tend to chew on my left hand side as I have a problem with a gap in my back teeth on the right side – maybe this has caused an imbalance, I don't know.

Anyway, I will go to the doctor and dentist...if anyone finds out anything more please let me know.

[Unregistered]

I too have this problem, and it is quite annoying. After doing some reading, I believe it is associated with my wearing the Pure Sleep anti-snoring appliance, which works very well, but which alters my bite plate, and sometimes leaves my jaw stiff and sore in the morning, much like a TMJ feeling. My teeth don't "fit" together the way the normally do, often for several hours into the day after I wear the device. This would the support the idea that the "caterpillar"/tingling/crawling feeling that we are all experiencing is somehow related to joint issues in and around the jaw/ear. Any thoughts?

[craigwreid]

I too have this problem, and it is quite annoying. After doing some reading, I believe it is associated with my wearing the Pure Sleep anti-snoring appliance, which works very well, but which alters my bite plate, and sometimes leaves my jaw stiff and sore in the morning, much like a TMJ feeling. My teeth don't "fit" together the way the normally do, often for several hours into the day after I wear the device. This would the support the idea that the "caterpillar"/tingling/crawling feeling that we are all experiencing is somehow related to joint issues in and around the jaw/ear. Any thoughts?

I'm going to see a specialist ENT guy soon - I will let you know what he says...

[trflowermom]

Gosh, I am experiencing the same tingling, bug crawling very annoying effect in my right ear for about 2 years. I have had the ear flushed, and checked for hearing..now I am going to get an appointment with an ENT, and your posts have helped me decide that.......I just keep thinking that this will go away, and it doesnt. I have also thought that it may be nerve related somehow. When it happens sometimes I try rubbing my neck and jaw, I don't know if this helps, but when I do, it seems that I can feel thats where it is originating from???? I don't know.....