Blocked Ear

I went to the doctor with ear, head and facial pain. I have a blocked ear and have been told to use some olive oil to unblock my ear and the painkillers for the pain. I need to go back to the doctor if my ear isnt any better cause at the moment she couldnt see if I had an infection or not. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how clear this blockage quicker and reduce the pain. It is extremly sore and making me feel sick and dizzy. I was nearly in tears the other day as its so painfully. Surely a blocked ear cant be that sore or can it? Just feeling a bit sorry for myself really lol.
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Comments

  • kim_35_2
    kim_35_2 Posts: 38 Forumite
    I sympathise with you!

    I suffer from alot of wax in my ears and there was an infection which was pouring out my ear at one point.

    The doctor gave me oil that can be purchased over the counter a an asda pharmacy, I cant rememember the name, starts with cup and is in a pink box only a couple of quid.

    I had to use for 2 weeks 3 times a day and then went to the nurse to have ear syringed, and my ears have been perfect since :)

    Obviously im not medically trained but my doctor said that the reason I had the problem was becase my ear was blocked so much and once this goes, if there is an infection then it usually clears itself up, in my case it did.

    Hope this helps :) xx
  • Giggles_Fairy
    Giggles_Fairy Posts: 1,155 Forumite
    Be careful as I had a really blocked ear once, but with no pain. I just used an over the counter drops to try and clear the wax and lots came out. However I then started having pain and still felt it blocked, so went to the doctor who said I had given myself an infection as I had 'traumatised' the ear chanel by trying to clean it with ear buds so much!

    If you are in so much pain go back to the docs asap and ask for something to be done.
  • duloch
    duloch Posts: 396 Forumite
    Thanks guys, the drops have helped a little, I now just need to get rid of the head pain and nose pain. Im sure I have blocked sinuses. I dont go to the doctors all that often but I think I may need another trip back. I cant carry on feeling like ive done a few rounds in a boxing ring, it really hurts.
  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 47,205 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    duloch wrote: »
    Surely a blocked ear cant be that sore or can it?
    yes it can ... then there are the balance and nausea issues which can come with it, not to mention the extra effort of overcoming the temporary deafness. It's no fun!
    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • Dizzy_Ditzy
    Dizzy_Ditzy Posts: 17,470 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    do not EVER use cotton buds in your ears!!

    If the olive oil drops dont work, try some sodium bicarbonate drops. This works for me every time :-)
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  • eamon
    eamon Posts: 2,321 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic
    Something I heard years ago "Don't stick anything in your ear thats smaller than your elbow".

    Olive oil has antiseptic & antibacterial properties and as a home remedy for ear infections it has been used for many decades. Additionally it creates an air seal and effectively suffocates any aerobic bacteria, hence killing the infection.

    I get ear infections most times that I get a cold and my GP advised me that antibiotics are getting less effective at treating many infections though he did add that my ear canals are a little on the narrow side and hence more prone to infections than most other people.

    If your infection doesn't clear soon then go back to your GP.
  • Mingle
    Mingle Posts: 537 Forumite
    I was told the only time you should ever use cotton buds is after softening up the wax after an impaction. It REALLY is painful- I had one when I was 13 and I was awake all night crying for about a week. I got some drops and used the cotton buds. The drops soften it up and the bud gets it all out. You'll find shortly that'll probably start dropping on your pillow.
  • Sublime_2
    Sublime_2 Posts: 15,741 Forumite
    It sounds like you have an ear infection. I had a bad one once, and didn't know what was wrong with me, went burning/hot cold, severe headache. Felt awful. Thought I was dying. Was just an ear infection! :D

    Sounds like you might need a prescription for antibiotics.
  • Armchair23
    Armchair23 Posts: 648 Forumite
    Poor you earache is vile.

    If you have blocked sinuses try Sudafed tablets, it's a decongestant and will most probably help. It may be worth finding out if Boots do a cheaper 'own brand'. I don't think there is any reason to pay extra for any of the variations with paracetamol etc it just seems a way of upping the price.

    Good luck
  • duloch
    duloch Posts: 396 Forumite
    edited 8 April 2011 at 3:09PM
    Thanks guys, I do feel a little better knowing that Im not making a fuss out of nothing. I cant believe how sore it actually is. Im going to give the olive oil drops a few more days then make another appointment if still sore. My head is really hurting, well the side of my head above my cheek. Not a fan of going to the doctors apart from the other day I hadnt been in nearly 2 years.

    meant to add that this morning I have a slight pain under my chin on the same side as my sore ear. I guess that it all must be connected, theres no lump or mark just sore so I think I ring the drs on monday.
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