What the hell is wrong with my ear???

[ALago1]

I'm just getting over a cold, and all of a sudden my left ear is acting wacky. It hurts, but only when I chew and clench my teeth together. It does feel a little "full" and I've been noticing a little earwax buildup lately.

I don't think it's infected, b/c I've had numerous ear infections before and the pain doesn't mirror those.

Does this warrant a visit to the doctor? Because I don't really have the time or money to go see one just now...

[salinen]

1. Try a little

hydrogen peroxide watered down. Also take an anti-histamine.

[soleft]

2. or decongestant with a little steam

[ALago1]

3. Thanks for the suggestions!

I'll try it out! :)

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. Warm up some olive oil and place it in your ear and mush it around.

This really really helps. Best of luck. If it's not better, you need to see a doctor. I suffer now from loss of hearing in my left ear due to chronic ear infections sometimes left unchecked as a child.

Good Luck and good health,

Laura

[ALago1]

6. Olive oil?? Ok I trust you...

Sounds like it may do more harm than good, but I don't know much about medicine or home remedies.

Thanks!

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. No really, my husband does this all the time and it eases moderate

ear pain. I checked it out with our doctor and the whole shebang. I hope it helps.

[Mass_Liberal]

5. same here

whenever I bite really hard. Ow.

[otohara]

8. Ear Candles Will GEt That Wax Out

- candling is non-evasive and you'll be amazed at the clog that will come out of your ears, not to mention, pollen, yeast ....

buy them at a health food store - if you really want to clean them, buy 4 and do 2 in one ear, one right after the other -

towel, water, lighter, a friend to help (if not, you'll need a mirror)

Towel to cover your hair
Water to douse the candle - blowing on it is difficult, lots of smoke

[Dogmudgeon]

9. Peroxide is also very helpful

Just regular hydrogen peroxide.

It kills germs, and dissolves built-up wax. At its 3% strength, it's not going to do anything severe.

I've been using it for years on an ear that was badly damaged by several operations for cancer. It's the best thing I've found.

You actually do have otitis -- external otitis. It can turn into an infection, so don't drag your feet. If some of these home remedies don't work, call a physician.

--bkl