Dealing with a Persistent Ear Clog: Seeking Advice
About a week ago, I was cleaning my ears when I inadvertently pushed some earwax too far in, resulting in a blockage. I attempted to remove it using water and cotton swabs, but my efforts were unsuccessful. Frustrated, I decided to visit urgent care due to the discomfort. The doctor examined my ear and informed me that my attempts to clear the blockage had also irritated my ear canal. To prevent any risk of infection, she prescribed antibiotic ear drops, instructing me to apply them twice daily for a week. Now, I’ll be finishing the drops by tomorrow, but my ear remains clogged. There's no pain, although it does impact my hearing. The issue is that I'm leaving for an 8-day vacation on Saturday, and I really want to avoid discomfort during my trip. What are my options? For reference, I'm a 24-year-old male, 6'1" tall, and weigh 180 pounds, though I'm not sure how relevant that is.
Answers (1)
7/17/2025, 11:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent ear blockage, which can be quite uncomfortable, especially with your upcoming vacation. It’s great that you visited urgent care, and now that you're nearing the end of your ear drops, it's understandable to want to resolve this issue. Here’s how you can move forward:
Main Points:
- Hydrate and Warm Compress: Keep your ears healthy and consider gentle techniques to relieve the blockage.
- Avoid Manual Cleaning: Refrain from using cotton swabs or other implements to remove earwax yourself.
- Evaluate Your Symptoms: Monitor any changes after finishing the ear drops and be cautious of signs that might require further attention.
Explanation:
Earwax (cerumen) is a natural substance meant to protect your ear canals, but sometimes it can become compacted, leading to a blockage and affecting hearing. Since you’ve been using ear drops and already had an exam, it sounds like you’re on the right track but still experiencing some issues.
With travel approaching, your best approach is to ensure that your ear is clear and comfortable without further irritation.
Next Steps:
-
Use a Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress (a warm, damp cloth) gently to the affected ear for 5-10 minutes, a couple of times a day. This can help soften the wax.
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Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids, and consider using a saline nasal spray if you feel congestion; this may help equalize pressure in your ears.
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Manual Techniques: After finishing the antibiotic drops and if your ear still feels clogged, you can try:
- Yawning or swallowing to help pop your ears.
- Tilting your head and gently pulling on your earlobe while you chew or swallow.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you notice any pain, significant hearing loss, or any discharge, further medical evaluation might be necessary.
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Consider Soothing Drops: If irritation persists, over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften earwax may be useful, but use them only after your current treatment is completed.
Enjoy your vacation and be mindful of keeping your ears dry while swimming or bathing. If the blockage does not resolve and you're concerned while traveling, seeking help from a healthcare professional in your destination may be helpful. Let me know if you have other questions!
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