Waking up to sudden ear pain can be alarming. A few weeks ago, I experienced this firsthand, it felt like someone had punched me in the ear! I was groggy and tried to ignore it, but the pain persisted well into the next morning. After a quick check, I realized the source was just outside my ear canal. I suspected I’d been bitten by an insect during the night and decided to treat it myself. What happened next taught me a valuable lesson about ear care and why you shouldn’t ignore ear pain.
The Pain Didn’t Go Away
To manage the discomfort, I began using hydrogen peroxide twice a day and took over-the-counter pain relievers. Initially, the symptoms seemed to ease. But four days later, the pain returned, this time radiating to my jaw and the surrounding area. I realized I couldn’t ignore it any longer and went to the walk-in clinic.
The Real Diagnosis: Swimmer’s Ear
After an evaluation, the nurse saw no signs of an insect bite. My vitals were normal, but I was diagnosed with swimmer’s ear. I was prescribed neomycin-polymyxin-HC 1%, to be applied four times a day for a week. I used a fresh Q-tip each time to gently coat the affected area. By the third day of treatment, I felt noticeable relief. I’m incredibly grateful I sought care when I did; if left untreated, swimmer’s ear can lead to serious complications or even permanent damage.
What Likely Caused It?
Looking back, I suspect the infection was caused by bacteria transferred from my gym earbuds. I remember placing them directly on a weight bench,… definitely not the cleanest surface! It’s likely I had a small scratch in or around my ear canal, and the bacteria took full advantage of it.
And speaking of the gym. If you go often, check out this popular post: Gym Etiquette: What NOT to do at your local gym, it might be a great one to share with your friends or that weird guy at the gym.
How I’m Preventing Future Ear Infections
To avoid another painful episode, here’s what I’m doing differently now:
- Cleaning my earbuds with rubbing alcohol at least twice a week.
- Placing them in the sun for one minute after cleaning to let UV rays kill any lingering bacteria.
- Never setting them on gym equipment again.
When to Seek Medical Help for Ear Pain
If you’re experiencing sharp or persistent ear pain, don’t wait. Make an appointment directly with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist) to save time and get an accurate diagnosis. While some cases might resolve on their own, infections like swimmer’s ear can worsen quickly without proper treatment.
Pro Tip: Watch the Volume
If you suspect your ear pain may be due to listening to music at high volumes, it’s time to turn it down. OSHA recommends keeping noise exposure under 90 decibels. Consistent loud sound can cause long-term hearing damage.
Conclusion
Ear pain should never be ignored. Whether it’s caused by infection, injury, or daily habits like using earbuds, it’s essential to listen to your body and take action. In my case, early treatment made a big difference and now I’m more mindful of how to keep my ears safe and healthy moving forward.
FAQs About Ear Pain and Infections
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, typically caused by bacteria or fungi entering the ear through moisture or small abrasions.
Swimmer’s ear often causes pain when the ear is touched, along with itching, redness, and discharge. Regular earaches may feel more internal and not involve the outer ear.
Yes, especially if they’re not cleaned regularly or are placed on dirty surfaces. Bacteria can easily transfer into the ear canal through small scratches or moisture.
It can be used occasionally, but it’s best to consult a medical professional. Overuse or improper application may irritate the ear.
If the pain lasts more than a day, radiates to your jaw or neck, or is accompanied by discharge, fever, or hearing loss, seek medical attention promptly.
