Suspected Ear Trouble: What to Do Next?
Hi there! I'm a 23-year-old individual, and recently I've been grappling with a sensation in my ears that I initially believed was an ear infection. It felt as if I had heavy stones lodged in both ears. However, after a visit to urgent care, I was informed that it wasn’t an infection. Instead, the doctor indicated that my ear canals were swollen. They prescribed me some ear drops (Hydrocortisone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B) and instructed me to apply four drops in each ear four times daily. I left the clinic feeling somewhat relieved and hopeful. I have been using the medication faithfully, but I’m still in discomfort, with pain escalating to the point of affecting my jaw. To manage the pain, I've been taking Ibuprofen occasionally—mostly when it becomes too severe (and I’m careful not to exceed the daily limit). At night, my ears swell further, resulting in muffled hearing on the side I’m lying on. I often find myself having to pop my ears to regain some hearing, but this action is excruciating. The sensation I’m experiencing is quite uncomfortable; it feels as though something is crammed inside my ear, contributing to an unbearable itchiness, akin to a tiny creature scuttling around. In the quest for relief, I even purchased a camera ear cleaner that connects to my phone. I took some images of my ear's interior. I’m planning to return to urgent care soon. Should I express my concerns to the doctor regarding the images I captured? Is it possible that I could be experiencing an allergic reaction to the ear drops? While I do have several food allergies, I'm not aware of any medication allergies. Any advice would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 3:20:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned and uncomfortable with the ongoing issues you're having with your ears, especially given the pain and sensation of swelling. Let's focus on addressing your symptoms and ensuring you receive the appropriate care.
Main Points
- You're experiencing persistent discomfort despite following your treatment.
- Pain is affecting adjacent areas, like your jaw, and you're noticing increased swelling and muffled hearing, especially at night.
- You may be experiencing a potential reaction to the ear drops, which is worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Explanation
Swollen ear canals can cause discomfort and lead to symptoms such as muffled hearing, pressure, itching, and pain radiating to nearby areas, like your jaw. Your current medication, while helpful for reducing inflammation, may not be working as effectively as hoped, either because the underlying issue persists or possibly because of a reaction to the medication.
When it comes to ear drops, individuals can sometimes develop sensitivities or allergic reactions, which can lead to worsening symptoms rather than improvement. The sensation of itchiness and the feeling of something crawling might indicate irritation or an allergic reaction, especially given your history of food allergies.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Document and Discuss Symptoms: Before your return to urgent care, prepare to clearly document your symptoms, including any changes since starting the ear drops, the pain level, and how your symptoms respond to treatment.
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Show Images: Bring the images you took of your ear interior to your next visit. This could provide useful information for the doctor to assess the condition of your ear canals.
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Communicate Concerns: Clearly express your concerns about potential allergies or side effects from the ear drops during your appointment. Mentioning your history of food allergies may help guide the doctor in considering alternative treatments.
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Continue Pain Management Cautiously: If needed, continue taking ibuprofen for pain, but ensure it’s within the safe dosage limits. If your pain escalates or doesn’t improve with ibuprofen, mention this during your visit.
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Avoid Ear Cleaning Devices: While it might be tempting to use the camera ear cleaner, avoid inserting anything into your ear canals as this can further irritate the area.
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Watch for Red Flags: Be mindful of any worsening symptoms, such as increased drainage, fever, or severe headache, and report those immediately to your healthcare provider.
By following these steps, you can advocate for yourself effectively and hopefully find some relief. Remember, your comfort and health are the top priority!
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