OpenHealth Q&A

Intense Discomfort in Ear and Jaw

As a 17-year-old female, I recently attempted to clean my ears on Tuesday following recommendations from healthcare providers. I began with water, but it wasn’t effective; one of my ears seemed to retain the liquid rather than expelling it. Frustrated, I resorted to using Q-Tips, which only resulted in immediate pain, compelling me to stop that technique. Even after I managed to dry out most of the water, my hearing was muffled, and I experienced significant dizziness that made me feel faint and nauseous. I tried resting, but that didn’t alleviate my symptoms. I initially thought I could sleep off the issue, but by Wednesday morning, my hearing had worsened. I attempted various remedies to alleviate the sensation of fullness in my ears—such as jaw movements, chewing, and tugging on my earlobes—but none proved effective. Pulling my ears slightly apart offered a tiny bit of relief, enabling me to perceive the silence a bit more clearly, unlike the sensation of being underwater, but I still couldn’t hear properly. That evening, the discomfort escalated to a throbbing and stinging intensity that demanded my full attention. Though I routinely deal with chronic pain and migraines, this episode was particularly excruciating. On Thursday, the hearing loss persisted, and I could tell that there’s no residual fluid left in my ears. The pain intensified, accompanied by a sensation akin to wearing headphones for an extended period. Actions like yawning, chewing, or speaking exacerbated the discomfort. At this point, I’m essentially deaf, and the pain has begun to radiate to my cheekbone, teeth, jaw, and even one side of my neck. I’m contemplating scheduling a visit with a healthcare professional, but considering my past experiences with local doctors, I want to ensure that this condition is serious enough to warrant a consultation rather than something I can resolve at home. My attempts at treatment have been exhaustive, and I am starting to feel anxious about the possibility of irreversible damage. My primary hypothesis is that I may have inadvertently injured my eardrum, or perhaps another part of my ear has become infected due to irritation, or it’s possible that I pushed earwax too deep. Regardless, I hope to rectify this issue swiftly before it escalates further, particularly as I prepare to return to school and being unable to hear effectively would pose a major challenge.

Answers (1)

2/13/2026, 1:10:43 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort in your ear and jaw, possibly related to the methods you used for cleaning your ears. Given your symptoms—persistent muffled hearing, severe pain radiating to your jaw and cheekbone, and feelings of dizziness—it's important to approach this situation carefully.

Summary of Main Points:

1. Your symptoms may indicate possible ear irritation, infection, or eardrum injury.
2. Immediate care at home can be focused on managing discomfort, but professional evaluation is advised due to the severity of your symptoms.

Explanation:

Trying to clean your ears can sometimes lead to problems like impacted earwax, irritation, or even perforation of the eardrum. The fact that you're feeling dizzy and experiencing significant pain suggests that there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Your description of the pain radiating to your jaw and cheekbone may also suggest that the inflammation or pressure in your ear is affecting surrounding structures.

Next Steps:

1. Avoid further manipulation of your ears: Do not use Q-Tips, cotton swabs, or any sharp objects in your ears as this could worsen any potential injury or irritation.

2. Manage Pain & Discomfort:

   • Over-the-counter Pain Relief: If you can safely take medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, they can help reduce pain and inflammation. Please follow the instructions on the package or consult someone knowledgeable if unsure.
   • Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress around the ear can provide some relief from pain.

3. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If they worsen (increasing pain, swelling, fever, or hearing changes), you'll want to seek care sooner.

4. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given that you mentioned feeling severely deaf and the pain radiating to your jaw and neck, it is advisable to see a healthcare professional. Explain your symptoms and when they began. If seeing a doctor feels daunting, consider reaching out to a different healthcare provider or clinic where you might feel more comfortable.

With these steps, focus on relieving your discomfort while preparing to get a thorough evaluation soon. Your health is important, and improving your hearing and reducing pain should be a priority. If you have more questions or need additional support, feel free to ask.