Hello Doctor,
I have had ear pain for like 3 weeks now, due to an ear infection. I went to the ER and took the meds as prescribed (4 drops twice a day in my ear for a week) and my ear was getting better with no pain up until a few days ago. I used my headphones, thinking it was fine, and the pain has returned, and I don’t know what to do. Should I be worried? I keep taking ibuprofen hoping that it’ll go back to not hurting like before, but for like three days now the pain hasn’t subsided. It’s not as bad as when my infection first started, mostly a dull throbbing, but after a while, it gets hard to deal with. I’m not sure this matters, but the “full” feeling in my ear associated with ear infections has not subsided at all, but when my ear was starting to feel better, the full feeling was going away—then I had to wear those headphones. Again, should I be worried? Did I make my infection worse? When the pain came back, I went back to using the drops even though my prescribed week had passed; should I not have done that?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr.Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
I understand your concern regarding the return of your ear pain after an infection. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t instill drops in your ears unless you are experiencing severe symptoms like significant pain, discharge, decreased hearing, or intolerable itching. If your symptoms worsen, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before continuing any treatment.
Please avoid inserting anything into your ear, including earbuds, hairpins, toothpicks, or even your fingertips and handkerchiefs, as this can exacerbate the situation and lead to further irritation. Keeping your ear dry is essential for proper healing. While headphones are generally fine to use, I recommend avoiding earphones for at least a month to prevent any additional pressure or irritation.
For pain management, you can take paracetamol 500 mg as needed for mild pain, and ibuprofen can be used for more severe discomfort. However, it's best to avoid using ear drops or any other medications continuously without guidance.
In the meantime, try to divert your attention from the sensation in your ear. If the fullness or discomfort becomes bothersome, you may use two drops in the ear temporarily, but it’s not advisable to do so regularly.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, please seek further evaluation from a healthcare provider. They can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment to help you recover fully.
Thanks
