Experiencing Diminished Hearing in My Right Ear
I’m a 26-year-old woman in good health, and I have never encountered ear problems before this incident. Now, I find myself questioning whether I should visit urgent care or hold off for a bit. About four days ago, after attempting to clean my ear, it became quite irritated, particularly the right side, which quickly turned painful. It feels as if my ear is intensely swollen. I engage in workouts and use the sauna nearly daily, so I suspect that some moisture may have become trapped during the inflammation. Yesterday, I woke up with severe discomfort. Early in the morning, around 6 AM, I stopped by a CVS and picked up some drops meant for swimmer’s ear, which provided slight relief. Last night, I also took ibuprofen that alleviated much of the pain. However, the pressure in my ear woke me up several times throughout the night. Today, I noticed a significant reduction in hearing—around 50%—but thankfully, the pain has subsided. Nonetheless, there’s still a lot of pressure in my right ear, akin to that feeling after a plane takes off. After some investigation, it appears my symptoms align closely with otitis media. Does this resonate with anyone? Should I consider a trip to urgent care? I haven't yet utilized my insurance at my current workplace and I'm apprehensive about incurring high costs since I haven’t met my deductible.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 7:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort from your right ear, which has led to diminished hearing and pressure sensations. Given your symptoms and their duration, it's understandable to feel concerned.
Explanation
Your symptoms do suggest inflammation in the ear, possibly related to otitis media, which is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This can occur after cleaning the ear or due to moisture retention, particularly if you've been using a sauna or working out frequently. The ear drops you used may provide some relief, but if the pressure, pain, and hearing loss persist, it's important to address it promptly.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms over the next 24 hours. Pay close attention to any changes in pain, hearing, or pressure.
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Ear Care: Continue using the over-the-counter drops you purchased as directed. Avoid inserting anything else into your ear, like cotton swabs, as this can worsen irritation or cause blockages.
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Hydration & Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and ensure you're resting adequately. This can help your body manage any potential inflammation.
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Pain Management: If you experience pain, you can continue taking ibuprofen, ensuring you follow the recommended dosage on the label.
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Follow-up: Given the reduction in hearing and persistent pressure, if symptoms do not improve significantly within 24-48 hours or if they worsen, it would be advisable to seek medical advice, considering an urgent care visit. Discussing your concerns about costs with the healthcare provider can sometimes lead to options for a more affordable evaluation.
Please remember, while it's good to monitor your symptoms, any persistent issues with hearing should not be ignored, and seeking care sooner rather than later can help prevent further infection or complications. Take care of yourself, and I hope you feel better soon!
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