Should I Consult an ENT About My Ear Issue?
Age: 25 Gender: Male Height: 5’qq Weight: 150 lbs Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Approximately one to two months Location: East Coast, United States --- I’m uncertain whether I might be dealing with a fungal infection or another issue. There’s no pain involved, just a bit of itching, and I've not noticed any swelling. My girlfriend attempts to clean my ears intermittently, about once or twice monthly, but this condition has persisted for several months. The discharge appears pale yellow and comes out in small fragments. It’s possible that I still have remnants of Debrox from a few months back that I didn’t completely rinse out. Unfortunately, the ENT specialist I’ve visited before is completely booked until December. In the meantime, I’m wondering if there are any home remedies I could consider trying. I’ve seen suggestions online about using a vinegar and water solution or antifungal ear treatments, and perhaps more Debrox might be beneficial as well.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 12:50:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing ongoing ear issues that might be related to wax buildup or possibly an infection. Since you've mentioned itching and pale yellow discharge without pain or swelling, it’s important to approach this with care.
Explanation
You might be dealing with earwax buildup, which can sometimes lead to irritation, or possibly a mild fungal infection. The discharge you described, especially if you think it might involve leftover Debrox, indicates that your ear might still require some cleaning or treatment. However, using cleaning products like Debrox too frequently can cause irritation, and you need to be cautious with any home remedies.
Next Steps
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Do Not Use Debrox Again (for now): Since you've used it recently and symptoms persist, avoid additional use until your symptoms improve or you can consult an ENT.
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Home Cleaning: Gently clean your outer ear with a soft cloth. Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from water entering the ear during showers or swimming, which can exacerbate symptoms. You can use earplugs or a shower cap while bathing.
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Consider Vinegar and Water Solution Cautiously: If you choose to try a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water, apply a few drops in your ear, let it sit for a few minutes, and then drain it out. This might help balance the ear's pH and address any fungal concerns, but consult an ENT before doing this, especially if you experience new symptoms.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes in the discharge, itching, or any new symptoms that arise.
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Seek Alternative Medical Advice: If symptoms persist or worsen in the upcoming weeks, consider looking for other ENT specialists or urgent care options in your area, especially if you see signs like increased discharge, pain, or hearing loss.
It's important to give priority to self-care while still being mindful of your symptoms. If things don’t improve soon, consider alternative medical evaluation sooner than later.
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