Experiencing Excess Ear Wax?
Hello, I am seeking guidance regarding the removal of ear wax. Recently, I utilized earex for ear cleaning, but my right ear still feels somewhat "blocked" or "compressed," and I want to ensure everything is fine. I've taken several images of my eardrums using a small ear camera, but I'm unsure which condition is considered normal. I would greatly appreciate insights from general practitioners, ear specialists, or anyone knowledgeable about this matter. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 7:00:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address your concerns about ear wax and the sensation of blockage. Excess ear wax can indeed lead to feelings of pressure or compression in the ear. Here’s how to approach this situation:
Main Points:
- Ear wax (cerumen) is normal, but excessive buildup can cause discomfort and blockage.
- Products like Earex can help, but results vary, and sensations of blockage may persist.
- Observing the condition of your eardrum, but you may not need to rely solely on self-examination.
Explanation:
Ear wax is produced by glands in your ear canal and serves important functions, like protecting the ear from dirt and bacteria. However, sometimes this wax can accumulate and lead to feelings of blockage or even temporary hearing loss. While you’ve used a product to clean your ears, it’s not uncommon for wax to remain stuck or not dissolve completely, which might explain the residual feeling of compression in your right ear.
Using a camera to check your eardrum can provide some insights, but interpreting those images without professional training can be challenging. It's essential to ensure that your eardrum is healthy and not affected by the wax.
Next Steps:
- Avoid inserting objects or further cleaning your ear. This can push wax deeper and potentially damage the canal or eardrum.
- Try warm, mineral oil or ear drops. Applying a few drops can help soften the wax. Make sure to follow the instructions provided with the product.
- Hydrate and keep your ears dry. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid getting water in your ears while bathing or swimming to help prevent further blockage.
- Monitor your symptoms. If the sensation of blockage, discomfort, or any changes in hearing continues for more than a few days or worsens, consider seeking professional help. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can safely remove wax and examine your ear for any underlying issues.
Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional guidance!
Related Questions
Occasional Intense Abdominal Discomfort
**Profile:** 24-year-old male, height: 5'10", weight: 160 lbs **Medication History:** Recently began taking Verapamil to manage cluster headaches. I’ll keep this concise. The discomfort is centered in the area around the navel and possibly a little lower. Imagine forming a medium-sized claw with your hand around your belly button; that’s roughly the location of the pain. It manifests as a persistent dull ache, interspersed with sharp stabbing sensations lasting around 10 to 30 seconds every couple of minutes, roughly 2 to 7. It feels as though something is piercing me from within. Initially, the pain begins in the evening as mild but intensifies as the night progresses. By approximately 10 or 11 PM, the pain reaches its peak. It subsides only when I finally doze off from exhaustion around 5 AM. Occasionally, if I manage to fall asleep before the discomfort escalates too much, that also prevents further pain. For about a week following these intense episodes, the primary pain dissipates, but the same area feels bloated and presents some minor discomfort, akin to that of sore muscles after physical exertion. After about seven days, I return to my usual state. My bowel movements remain unaffected both before and after the painful episodes; however, during these attacks, I find it extremely difficult to have a bowel movement. Additionally, somewhat unrelated but noteworthy is that ever since this condition began three years ago, I’ve developed a pattern of hiccuping right before each burp, along with an increase in burping frequency. When I say infrequent, I mean these episodes arise about once every 1 to 3 months. I doubt it's lactose intolerance, as my diet doesn’t seem to influence the episodes. A clear pattern or trigger remains elusive. Both ultrasound and MRI scans returned normal results, and I plan to request an endoscopy soon. My blood tests displayed normal values, though ALT and AST levels were slightly elevated (I don’t consume alcohol or misuse painkillers). Tests for H. Pylori and celiac disease were negative. Omeprazole has yet to yield any noticeable effects, but given the irregular nature of the attacks, it’s challenging to gauge its efficacy. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention! :)
Persistent Cold Symptoms for Over a Month: What Should I Do?
As a 22-year-old female, I've been battling cold symptoms intermittently since November 6th. Initially starting with a dry cough, it has progressed to a wet cough, accompanied by significant nasal congestion and severe sinus pressure. These symptoms have now evolved into a runny nose, leading to frequent bouts of blowing my nose to expel thick, green mucus. I experienced a sore throat for a couple of weeks, and at one point, my left salivary gland became unusually swollen, which caused considerable discomfort. Although my tonsils were also inflamed, they have since returned to normal size. My fever was brief, lasting less than 24 hours, which is why I haven't sought medical attention yet. However, the constant coughing and nasal drainage are becoming increasingly bothersome. Over the past week, I have been diligently using daytime cold and flu medication, Sudafed, Mucinex DM, and taking zinc supplements. I'm feeling quite frustrated and somewhat worried, especially since I haven't been ill in two years, and I usually recover from such ailments within a week with minimal medication. Perhaps the winter season is to blame. It could also be due to having four new housemates or my transition to working from home. Although it sounds absurd to think about aging at just 22, I'm starting to wonder if that plays a role. Should I be worried about this persistence? What steps can I take to recover?
Should I Revisit My Doctor?
I am a 29-year-old who was assigned male at birth and identify as a trans woman, weighing 270 pounds. Currently, I’m contemplating whether it would be prudent to revisit my physician concerning some emerging discomfort. My initial appointment in June was prompted by difficulties with breathing, where I experienced shortness of breath. Since then, the doctor has been conducting periodic lab tests every few months. My partner and parents have also remarked on my declining energy levels over time. Lately, I’ve been experiencing pain that initially originated in my hands but has since diffused throughout my body. Starting in October, I began having intermittent pain episodes in my fingers. The first flare occurred during a road trip; it appeared not to be linked to any specific activity, improved marginally over time, and then subsided for a while. However, it returned again around Thanksgiving, briefly decreased, and has flared up once more. Now, I’m feeling discomfort in both my hands and toes. The pain in my hands is particularly pronounced on the left side, though I’ve also had some issues with the right. My pinky fingers on both hands seem most affected (pain is concentrated at the first joint above the knuckle), along with my index fingers and occasionally the adjoining fingers. In terms of my toes, it’s primarily my big toe, with discomfort also occurring in the third or fourth toes, though I can’t determine it precisely. Additionally, I’ve been experiencing some stiffness in my ankles and knees, particularly in the mornings. I have also noticed an increase in joint popping compared to before. Recently, I experienced mild redness in some finger joints, but that has been decreasing over the past couple of days. I find that taking ibuprofen helps manage the pain. Previously, I had mentioned my hand discomfort at a recent appointment when the pain was less pronounced elsewhere. Typing at work has become troublesome, especially when the pain intensifies; I find reaching certain keys difficult, and my typing speed has noticeably decreased. I also shared that my younger cousin and grandmother, on my father's side, both have rheumatoid arthritis, as well as noting that my aunt, who is my cousin's mother, suffers from multiple sclerosis. My doctor ordered a standard CBC to monitor my white blood cell count, which has remained consistently elevated at about 12.5 over the last few months. My red blood cell levels are low but still fall within the normal range for females, and my platelet count has been consistently elevated, typically between 420 and 460. Additional tests for ANA, RF, and anti-CCP were conducted; the ANA and RF results came back negative, while the anti-CCP test returned a low positive result of 22. The doctor indicated this finding was not significant. Currently, the only medications I take are estradiol, spironolactone, and progesterone. I also have an Albuterol inhaler for occasional breathing issues, which are infrequent. Given the persistence of my symptoms, I’m left wondering if I should arrange another consultation with my doctor or wait to see if the pain subsides on its own or possibly worsens further.
Discomfort in the Shoulder and Upper Arm
As a tall individual standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing around 170 pounds at the age of 33, I am currently experiencing significant discomfort in the upper section of my arm, situated just beneath my shoulder. Simple actions like tightening my belt or adjusting my pants trigger sharp sensations, and even the act of pulling up my trousers causes me pain. Although lifting my arms overhead doesn’t seem to aggravate the issue, I endure a persistent ache while walking, with my arms resting at my sides. Unfortunately, visiting a physician isn’t financially feasible for me right now. I am leaning towards the possibility that it might be tendinitis or a similar condition. Any guidance on stretches or exercises that might alleviate this discomfort would be greatly appreciated.
Struggling with Persistent Illness for Over a Month
As a 27-year-old woman, I've been battling cold and flu-like symptoms for more than a month now. Although I have a history of vaping, I have not indulged in it recently. My health began to decline towards the end of October when I caught a cold, which seemed to improve temporarily before I fell ill again about a week later. Working with children frequently exposes me to those with sniffles; however, I have typically enjoyed robust health and seldom fall sick. Since early November, I've experienced significant voice loss, extreme fatigue—often sleeping between 10 to 14 hours a day, which has forced me to take time off work—and a persistent cough that brings up green mucus. Throughout the day, my cough fluctuates between being dry and productive, accompanied by sinus pressure and debilitating headaches. I have visited urgent care twice. The first visit resulted in a prescription for Augmentin, which proved ineffective. On my second visit, I was given doxycycline, and I am currently in the process of completing that course. To cope, I've been using DayQuil and Theraflu to help me through the day, along with Flonase. Additionally, I've been staying hydrated with water, tea, honey, and Liquid IV, along with maintaining a nutritious diet. Mornings and evenings tend to be particularly rough, as I experience severe coughing fits that cause me to cough up mucus uncontrollably, making me feel as though I might vomit. The persistent nature of my cough has turned it into a bark, a result of a month spent coughing heavily. As a musician, the requirement for vocal rest has been challenging and is affecting my ability to earn a living. I'm truly at a loss about how to proceed or what might help me recover from this illness. Any suggestions or guidance would be immensely appreciated!