Persistent Right Ear Discomfort: Seeking Insights After A Year
Hello everyone, I’m a 33-year-old man residing in the beautiful region of Western Australia. I generally maintain a healthy lifestyle and have no significant medical concerns. In my younger years, I was an avid surfer, but now I find myself in the rural Pilbara area where opportunities for surfing are nonexistent, along with access to medical professionals. I occasionally indulge in kitesurfing here, always equipped with earplugs for protection. Since January 2025, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain and discomfort in my right ear. It all began after I spent a week enjoying freestyle swimming in the ocean in Perth. I initially consulted a doctor there who prescribed Kenacomb for swimmer's ear, but it didn’t yield any improvement. Upon returning to the Pilbara, I sought another doctor's advice, who prescribed a similar antibiotic ear drop, which also failed to provide relief. Despite my continuous visits, the physician kept increasing the potency of the ear drops until I finally insisted on seeing a specialist. Six months later, I traveled back to Perth for an ENT appointment, only to find the specialist unhelpful. Utilizing AI for diagnosis, he was unable to identify any issues and recommended an MRI, which ultimately showed no abnormalities. At a follow-up appointment three months later, the only solution he proposed was a prescription for antidepressants, which I declined. I then sought out another ear specialist in Perth, who similarly declared my ear visually healthy with no apparent issues. While in Perth for my appointments, I had a dental check-up, during which my dentist pointed out that I grind my teeth and provided me with a mouthguard to wear nightly. Another physician suggested that I might have TMJ disorder, so I received Botox injections in my right jaw muscle. Though these interventions offered some relief, the core issue still persisted. Curious about my condition, I purchased an otoscope camera to inspect my ear. To my surprise, I discovered an inflamed surfers ear growth located near the eardrum. Poking at it revealed that it very well might be the source of my discomfort. Despite this growth occupying only a quarter of the ear canal, it does not impair my hearing. The discomfort peaks in the mornings, manifesting as a sharp, stabbing sensation radiating from my right ear to the crown of my skull. However, once I rise and start my day, the pain noticeably diminishes. Additionally, I am aware of persistent tinnitus in that ear. Has anyone else encountered similar issues, or do you have any advice? I appreciate any thoughts you may have. Unfortunately, I cannot upload a photo as the application restricts that functionality.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 1:20:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with persistent discomfort in your right ear for an extended period, which can be frustrating. Based on your description, it appears you're experiencing a possible surfacer’s ear growth (exostosis) or a similar issue due to your past activities, combined with other contributing factors like TMJ disorder and teeth grinding. Here's how we can approach your situation:
Main Points
- Your pain and discomfort are likely related to the surfacer's ear growth, exacerbated by other factors like TMJ.
- Continuous monitoring and self-care are essential while seeking effective treatment options.
Explanation
Surfer's ear is a condition where abnormal bony growths develop in the ear canal due to frequent exposure to cold water and wind. These growths can lead to discomfort, fluid buildup, and even infections in some cases. Given that you experienced persistent pain after swimming and the recent findings of inflammation near the eardrum, it seems plausible that this growth is causing your ongoing symptoms. Tinnitus and TMJ discomfort could be contributing to your overall experience as well.
Next Steps
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Symptom Management: Consider using warm compresses on your ear in the mornings, as heat can help alleviate sharp pain temporarily. You might also explore over-the-counter pain relievers if not contraindicated for you.
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Ear Care: Continue using earplugs while kitesurfing to protect your ear from further irritation and water exposure, which can worsen symptoms.
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Monitor TMJ Symptoms: If grinding your teeth and TMJ symptoms are part of your issue, continue using the mouthguard regularly. You could also perform gentle jaw exercises and stretches to relieve tension.
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Follow Up: Regularly monitor the growth and any changes in your pain or symptoms. Since vision exams have shown no significant issues, if the discomfort worsens or changes, you may want to seek another ENT opinion, perhaps focusing on specialized practices that address surfacer's ear directly.
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Explore Alternative Treatments: Look into speech or physical therapy focused on jaw and ear problems if TMJ continues to impact your quality of life. Some find relief through these interventions.
Your situation clearly involves multiple factors, so don’t hesitate to remain proactive and persistent in seeking help from healthcare professionals who understand your symptoms and are willing to explore options tailored to you. Take care!
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