OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance for My Daughter's Ear Pain

Hello everyone! I’m reaching out regarding my daughter, a 19-year-old college student. As her mother, I'm feeling quite lost and uncertain about the best course of action for her current health issue. She does not have any pre-existing medical conditions and her only medication is Carbide Peroxide ear drops, which she applies twice daily. About two weeks ago, she began experiencing a loss of hearing, making it difficult for her to engage with friends and professors. Her ears felt full and somewhat itchy. In an attempt to alleviate the situation, she also tried treating her ears with hydrogen peroxide in addition to the carbide drops, but unfortunately, there was no improvement. After this, she visited urgent care on February 7. The staff diagnosed her with impacted ear wax in both ears. They performed ear irrigation three times, but only clear water was expelled. They described the blockage as a solid wall of wax and advised her to continue using the carbide drops, recommending an urgent visit to an ENT specialist. The soonest she could secure an emergency appointment with an ENT was February 15, which was yesterday morning. This experience was incredibly distressing for her. Though she had previous cleanings by an ENT, she endured significant pain this time. The doctor attempted to clear the wax using alligator forceps and a small ear vacuum, successfully removing the blockage from her left ear, but he could not extract the wax from the right ear. They even applied additional softening drops, but they proved ineffective due to the wax's hard and dry consistency. The doctor explained her discomfort stemmed from the wax being adhered to her eardrum, requiring him to manipulate that sensitive area during the procedure, which was exceedingly painful. They worked for over 40 minutes but were unable to completely resolve the issue. Eventually, she left with her right ear still blocked, which became painfully throbbing, a stark contrast to how she felt before the appointment. After dropping her back at college, she became overwhelmed with tears due to the severe pain in her right ear—a particular cause for concern given her usual high pain tolerance. Since then, she has resorted to over-the-counter pain relief and warm compresses, but her ear continues to throb and occasionally experiences sharp stabbing pains. Additionally, she is dealing with headaches, nausea, and general malaise, indicating she is not well at all. As a parent, I am feeling helpless watching her suffer. I am uncertain about what steps to take next. Urgent care seems inadequate for her situation, and heading to the ER feels like an overreaction. The earliest available appointment with her ENT is next week, and since they are the only ENT available in our area, I feel stuck. What could be causing her symptoms, and what should I do to alleviate her pain? She’s struggling to keep up with her studies, and urgent action feels imperative. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Answers (1)

2/16/2026, 11:50:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's situation; it sounds quite distressing for both of you. The combination of ear pain, blocked hearing, and other symptoms suggests a complicated case of impacted ear wax that may be causing additional secondary issues, which is understandably worrying.

Main Points:

1. Impacted Ear Wax and Pain Management: It's crucial to address the ongoing pain and blockage in her right ear.
2. Symptoms Monitoring: Monitoring other symptoms like headaches, nausea, and malaise is essential.
3. Immediate Actions: Focus on pain relief and management of her current symptoms while you wait for the next ENT appointment.

Explanation:

Impacted ear wax can sometimes lead to ear infections or can cause pressure against the eardrum, resulting in pain and discomfort. The additional symptoms such as headaches and nausea might indicate that the ear blockage is affecting her overall well-being, which is common in such situations. Since she experienced pain during the last removal attempt, there may still be residual irritation or inflammation in her ear canal as well.

Priority Next Steps:

1. Pain Relief: Continue administering over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed, to help manage her pain. This is important for her comfort and to help her engage with her studies.

2. Warm Compresses: Apply warm compresses to the outer ear to help ease throbbing pain. A warm washcloth works well and can provide soothing relief.

3. Hydration and Rest: Encourage her to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Dehydration and fatigue can exacerbate feelings of malaise and headaches.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Carefully observe her symptoms. If her pain worsens, she develops a fever, or if the nausea or headaches become severe, seeking immediate medical care might be necessary to rule out any infections or complications.

5. Follow-Up with ENT: Since her ENT appointment is next week, ensure she is prepared for it. Note any changes in her symptoms or new developments, as this information will be valuable for her doctor.

If her situation becomes intolerable, or if you're unsure about her escalation of symptoms, it is reasonable to seek guidance from a healthcare provider or urgent care again. Your observation of her distress is important, and you should trust your instincts as her parent.

It’s understandable to feel helpless in this situation; providing emotional support and ensuring she’s following care routines can help her feel a bit better. Please keep me updated on how she progresses, and reach out with more questions if you need further assistance.