What's Wrong With My Ear?

[Anonymous]

I have this pressure build up in my ear and it hurts to even touch it, mainly right behind it lower to my jaw. It slowly builds and then goes, but it's extremely painful. Has anyone had a similar experience? And before you say "go to a doctor" I don't have fucking money to go to a doctor. I live in America where shitty healthcare is the standard. It's like $100-150 I don't have right now. I have to know what I can do at home first.

Updates

4 mo

Hey guys turns out it was just a dog hair that had gotten trapped in my ear! Glad it wasn't an infection or anything and that I didn't have to pay $10000 just for them pick a dog hair out.

[Oliverlogan263]

Ugh, ear pressure and pain sucks! I've definitely had that before and it's no fun. A few things that might help since you can't see a doctor right away:

- Hot compress - Soak a towel in hot (not scalding) water, wring it out, and apply gently to the outside of your ear. The heat can help release some of the pressure and soothe the pain.

- Decongestant - See if you have any nasal decongestant pills like Sudafed around. Taking one could help drain some of the fluid buildup in your ear that's causing the pressure.

- Apple cider vinegar drops - Mix some ACV with warm water and put a few drops in your ear. Tilt your head and let it sit for a few minutes. The acidity can help break up buildup.

- Earwax softener - You can try putting a few drops of a store-bought earwax softener in your ear at night. Lay with your effected ear up so it has time to work.

- OTC pain meds - Take some Advil or Tylenol to help reduce swelling and pain.

Hope some of those home remedies give you some relief, man. If it's not better in a few days or gets really bad, you may have to bite the bullet and go to an urgent care clinic. Feel better soon!

[Asker]

Thank you! I will definitely try this out.

[Oliverlogan263]

You’re very welcome luv

[sean1234]

Yes, if it's not your ear it's a tooth... maybe. I once had a pain in a similar area (felt like a golf ball in the area) and had my wisdom tooth pulled out shortly after.

[sean1234]

If its a tooth, I would do a coconut oil mouth wash, if a ear problem, put a cooked onion on the ear.

[sean1234]

And do the mouth wash for 20 minutes every day till the tooth pain is gone.

[Massageman]

Ear problem, tooth problem, jaw/mandibular problem, combination of problems. Problem in the semi-circular canals per se. There are dozens of possible answers here. If you can't get to an ER where care will be provided regardless of status, try another country if you think you can do better. Good luck.

[ItsMariusz]

I'm sorry to tell you, but it can literally be ANYTHING causing this...

Oral infections, ear infections, Sinusitis, even anxiety and depression can sometimes manifest as physical pain, including in the ear and jaw area. Even if someone on here has a similar experience to you, the chances of them actually having the same issue is extremely low... Try your best to do research online. I'm not a doctor, but from the top of my head I can give you some advice.

Dietary changes, Over-the-counter medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (acetaminophen or something similar perhaps.) Also its pretty logical to say you should avoid chewing gum or just putting stress on your jaw or anywhere near the painful area. Try your best to hold up and do whatever you can until you can afford even a simple treatment to identify the issue. If someone, including me, tells you about a treatment, do it at your own risk and research it before going further... I dont think I helped much, but like I said, there are hundreds of issues that can cause what you just described.

[ImalwaysrightOK]

You need to go to an urgent care or the ER. It could get septic and you could have cardiac arrest if it's infected which it probably is. Ear infection, eustachian tube infection or dental emergency. GO TO A DOCTOR. Pay the $200.

[Asker]

Aight so you gonna cashapp me the money? Cause what part of "I don't have &100-150" don't you understand? I didn't say I don't wanna pay that, I said, I CAN'T pay that.

[HateyouxD]

It could be an ear infection or tooth infection as the ear canal and jaw/teeth are connected

[HateyouxD]

You can use Canola oil soaked in a cotton ball and place it in your ear for a while

[sean1234]

I heard about putting an onion on the ear. Can't recall if it was cooked.

[HateyouxD]

@sean1234 Google my friend

[sean1234]

I just remembered a barbara o'neill video about her having a man at a restaurant to cook an onion so she could put it on her ear for a cold i think. She was talking about home remedies.

[exitseven]

It could be an ear infection. You might need anti biotics.