It’s not uncommon to feel like there are bugs crawling in your ears, even when there’s nothing physically there. This sensation is known as formication. There are a few potential causes for feeling this way:
Quick Answers
The most common reasons it can feel like bugs are in your ears include:
- Earwax buildup pressing on the eardrum
- Tinnitus creating phantom sensations
- Damage to the nerves in the ear
- Side effect of medication
- Underlying health condition like anxiety or Parkinson’s disease
While the feeling can be disturbing, it’s rarely a sign of actual insects or danger. Consulting a doctor can help identify the cause and find relief.
What causes the feeling of bugs crawling in or on the ears?
There are a few possible explanations for what leads to this unsettling sensation:
Earwax buildup
Earwax, known medically as cerumen, can accumulate and press against the eardrum, creating a feeling of fullness or movement. As the wax pushes on the sensitive eardrum, it may create sensations like crawling or tingling.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus refers to phantom noises like ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ears. The neural circuits become hyperactive and overcompensate for hearing loss by producing these illusory sounds. Tinnitus can also cause phantom tactile sensations like bugs crawling alongside the auditory effects.
Nerve damage
The nerves in the ear are highly sensitive. If those nerves become damaged due to an infection, loud noises, or other trauma, unusual sensations like prickling or tingling can occur. The nerves essentially send faulty signals about touch or movement that get perceived as bugs.
Medication side effects
Certain medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, anesthesia, and chemotherapy drugs can affect nerve function. Pinprick sensations or numbness in the ears may manifest as side effects of medications disrupting normal nerve signaling.
Underlying health issue
In some cases, the feeling of bugs in the ear may result from an underlying health problem like:
- Anxiety or depression
- Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Shingles
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
The sensory hallucinations can develop due to the effects of the condition on the brain and nervous system. Consulting a doctor to treat the underlying disorder may help resolve the sensations.
When should someone see a doctor?
While brief, mild episodes are usually not concerning, it’s a good idea to see a doctor if:
- The feeling persists for more than a few days
- It’s accompanied by pain or hearing loss
- There are signs of injury or infection like bleeding or pus
- Dizziness, ringing, or loss of balance also occur
- A pre-existing neurological or mental health disorder is present
A doctor can perform an exam and determine if earwax blockage, an ear infection, or something more serious like a tumor could be responsible. Prompt treatment can provide symptom relief.
What are the best ways to get rid of the feeling of bugs in the ears?
Home remedies may help provide temporary relief in benign cases. Medical treatment is recommended for persistent or severe cases that may indicate an underlying problem. Some home remedies to try are:
Remove earwax
Use over-the-counter ear drops to soften and dislodge built-up earwax. Irrigating with a bulb syringe and warm water is another effective method. Never insert objects in the ear to remove wax.
Warm compress
Applying a warm, damp cloth over the affected ear can help calm nerve irritation and muscle tension.
Massage
Gently massaging around the ear may relieve pressure and decrease sensations.
Distraction
Focusing attention away from the feeling can help minimize awareness of the crawling sensation.
Medications
For cases tied to anxiety, antidepressants or anticonvulsants may reduce symptoms. Topical numbing drops or creams can temporarily relieve discomfort as well.
When to see an otolaryngologist for bugs in ears
Seeing an ear, nose and throat specialist called an otolaryngologist is advised if:
- Home remedies don’t provide relief after several days
- The sensation is persistent and interfering with sleep or concentration
- Hearing loss, pain, vertigo, or discharge occurs
- There is a history of ear surgery or injury
- An infection is suspected
An ENT doctor can examine the ears with magnification and specialty tools to pinpoint the cause. They can provide or recommend appropriate treatment to address sensations stemming from earwax, infections, nerve issues, or other problems.
What treatments are available from a doctor?
Depending on the underlying cause, doctors may recommend:
- Ear flushing – For severe wax impaction, specialized ear irrigation under sterile conditions can clear blockages.
- Medications – Prescription steroid ear drops, oral antibiotics, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants can relieve different symptoms.
- Hearing aids – Amplification devices help restore auditory input and desensitize hyperactive auditory nerves.
- Counseling – Cognitive behavioral therapy provides coping strategies for phantom sensations stemming from anxiety disorders.
- Surgery – Correcting structural problems like cholesteatoma growths or ossicle chain disruption can resolve conductive hearing issues and associated sensations.
Following the doctor’s tailored treatment plan can successfully manage the feeling of bugs crawling in the ears.
When to see a neurologist for formication in the ears
Seeing a neurologist is recommended when:
- There is tingling or numbness in other body parts as well
- You have a neurological condition like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s
- There is facial weakness or issues with balance/coordination
- There is confusion, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating
- Symptoms are getting progressively worse
A neurologist can perform exams to check nerve function and reflexes. They can also order imaging tests like an MRI to look for possible neurological causes. If an underlying condition is found, they will advise on medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.
Natural and home remedies for ear crawling sensations
These self-care measures can provide relief in mild, transient cases:
Stay hydrated
Drinking adequate water prevents dehydration that can irritate nerves and tissues.
Over-the-counter medications
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can reduce inflammation and blockages. Local anesthetics like Pramoxine (Preparation H) numb sensations when applied inside the ear canal per instructions.
Warm towel compress
Placing a washcloth soaked in warm water over the affected ear can improve blood flow and calm nerves.
Salt water rinse
Rinsing the ear canal with a saline solution helps remove irritants and wax.
Distraction techniques
Focusing on another activity can divert attention from the crawling feeling.
Stress relief
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or massage minimize anxiety that can worsen symptoms.
Acupuncture
This therapy releases endorphins which may block phantom crawling sensations.
When to see an ENT specialist
Seeing an ear, nose and throat doctor is advised for crawling sensations if:
- Symptoms don’t improve after 1-2 weeks of home treatment
- Discomfort is severe or interfering with sleep
- Signs of an ear infection like discharge, swelling, or pain occur
- Hearing loss, ringing, or dizziness accompanies the crawling
- Movement is felt deep in the ear canal
An ENT can thoroughly examine the ears using magnification and look for underlying issues such as excessive wax, infection, cholesteatoma growth, or eardrum perforation that may be causing symptoms.
When to be concerned about formication in the ears
See a doctor promptly if:
- Symptoms are persistent over several weeks
- Other worrisome neurological symptoms arise like weakness or headaches
- Issues with balance, vision changes, or confusion occur
- There is a history of diabetes, stroke, or autoimmune disorder
- You take medications that list formication as a side effect
While typically harmless, ongoing crawling sensations or accompanying neurological symptoms should be evaluated to rule out serious conditions like neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, meniere’s disease, or diabetic neuropathy.
Frequently asked questions
Can bugs actually crawl in your ears?
It’s extremely rare that insects physically crawl into the ear canal. Gnats, flies, and roaches lack interest in burrowing into ears. Small insects may accidentally fly into the outer ear, get trapped in ear wax or hair, and try to crawl out. Prompt removal solves the issue.
Why does it feel like something is tickling my eardrum?
A tickling, fluttering, or vibrating sensation on the eardrum is often caused by spasms of a small muscle called the stapedius or the tensor tympani in the middle ear. This involuntary movement activates nerves that lead to the odd fluttering feelings.
Can anxiety cause crawling skin sensations?
Yes, anxiety as well as depression can cause formication – tingling or crawling feelings on the skin. Stress alters neurotransmitter levels, blood flow, and nerve conductivity, leading to kanaphylaxis. Relaxation and anti-anxiety techniques can help.
Can ear mites in dogs infest human ears?
No, ear mites that affect dogs and cats do not typically spread to or infest human ears. The mites are a different genus called otodectes than the demodex mites that inhabit humans. Mite transmission requires direct contact and is unlikely between pets and owners.
Is the feeling of water in ear a sign of infection?
Not necessarily. The sloshing or dripping feeling known as tinnipopping is common with Eustachian tube dysfunction and usually not infectious. However, if accompanied by pain, discharge, swelling or fever, a bacterial or viral ear infection may be present requiring antibiotic treatment.
| Cause | Characteristics | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Earwax buildup | Fullness, muted hearing, irritation | Ear irrigation, wax softening drops |
| Tinnitus | Phantom noises, ringing, buzzing | Sound therapy, noise generators |
| Medications | Numbness, prickling, tingling | Reduce or change medication |
| Ear infection | Pain, fever, drainage | Antibiotic and steroid eardrops |
| Nerve damage | Hearing loss, lack of coordination | Surgery, hearing aids, therapy |
The bottom line
While feeling bugs crawling in your ears can be disturbing, it is rarely a sign of actual insects or danger. The common causes are benign and typically respond to home treatment. See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen to address any underlying conditions. With proper evaluation and management, the irritating sensations can be relieved.