Is It Necessary to Get Immediate Medical Attention for My Ear Infection?
Recently, I experienced a loss of hearing in one ear, which was diagnosed as an infection by urgent care just about a week ago. The hearing loss began right after I used a Q-tip (which I certainly won’t try again), although thankfully, my eardrum was not perforated. The healthcare professionals noted some irritation in my eardrum but confirmed it was intact, indicating the presence of a middle ear infection. I was given a prescription for amoxicillin and Flonase. After the appointment, I dealt with mild throbbing pain in my ear for approximately two days, which has now transitioned to a sensation of light pressure accompanied by ongoing muffled hearing. Last night, I noticed a significant increase in tinnitus in that ear, which oddly felt like it was affecting my jaw too. Given this development, should I seek further medical assistance immediately, or should I continue with the course of amoxicillin as planned? I do have an ENT consultation scheduled for next week. Should I consider a visit to the emergency room? A bit about myself: I’m a 26-year-old male, 5’7” tall, weighing 205 pounds, and I’ve never encountered an ear infection before. I’m not currently a smoker, though I have previously used cannabis.
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 1:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
You are experiencing a middle ear infection, which can cause hearing loss, pressure, and tinnitus, especially following a recent diagnosis and treatment. While your symptoms, including the mild pain and muffled hearing, can be common, the increase in tinnitus and associated jaw sensations are worth monitoring closely.
Explanation
Middle ear infections often lead to temporary hearing loss and discomfort. It’s good to hear that your eardrum is intact, but tinnitus and changes in discomfort can be signs that the situation may need reassessment. It’s important to balance ongoing treatment with any concerning changes.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. Note any changes in pain, hearing, or pressure, and also track your tinnitus levels. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, such as severe pain, fever, or persistent dizziness, it may warrant more urgent attention.
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Continue Medication as Prescribed: Follow the amoxicillin and Flonase regimen as instructed. Antibiotics typically take a few days to show improvement, so patience is important.
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Consider Your ENT Appointment: Since you already have an ENT consultation scheduled for next week, ensure to mention the increase in tinnitus and jaw sensation during that visit. This will help the specialist evaluate if a different treatment plan is needed.
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When to Seek Immediate Help: If you experience sudden, severe pain, high fever (over 101°F), sudden loss of balance, or drainage from the ear that is not improving, consider seeking emergency care sooner.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from any further ear manipulation (like Q-tips) to avoid worsening your condition.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution, so if you feel unsure or your symptoms change dramatically, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. You are on the right path, and with time, you should see improvement. Let me know if you need further assistance!
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