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Lost hearing in 1 ear.. perforation?

Posted , 3 users are following.

B3X
B3X

Hello all, last weekend I think I might have perforated my eardrum when cleaning my ears (I know, I know - shouldn't put anything in ears. My ears are very dry (I suffer with dermatitis/dry skin/eczema) and a build up of dry wax is unbearably itchy)

the loss of hearing in that ear didn't happen straight away, but the reason I'm assuming it is a perforation is that at the time I heard a crunch sound in that ear. A day or two later I have loss of hearing in my left ear and I have a small amount of watery fluid draining from it.

I quickly started looking it up online but most articles and the nhs site states most heal on their own without treatment over a few weeks. I was going to wait till the start of next week and see how it is, so far I've had no improvement and I do feel worried. I just wanted to ask others if I should speak to a doctor about it or just not worry too much and just wait it out?

Thanks in advance

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Marina_Dee
    Marina_Dee B3X

    Edited

    Definitely speak to a doctor. You may have introduced infection into your ear, but you do need to be examined

  • bernipes
    bernipes B3X

    Edited

    These symptoms resemble those of a ruptured eardrum, which in fact can be healed spontaneously.

    Small perforations of the eardrum usually return to normal within a few weeks, although it can take up to 2 months for the membrane to completely regenerate.

    If you have the possibility, talk to a doctor this week, otherwise, wait another week and see if there is any improvement. If there isn't any, you need to see a doctor anyway.

  • B3X
    B3X

    Edited

    Thanks for your replies. After work yesterday it really felt like it has much more pressure build up so I felt a bit worried. I phoned NHS 111 today as doctors aren't open, just for advice and she basically told me I can go to be seen at a minor injuries unit that was open (30 min drive from me) or I can wait it out and see how I am as I didn't have any of the overly concerning symptoms - Fever, Acute pain etc..

    So I decided to just push through and hopefully will be able to get into my doctors on Monday. I'm definitely noticing I have a swollen gland or lymph node on that side just under the bone behind my ear which has started to feel ever so slightly tender to the touch. I think things are getting worse, not better. I'll see how I feel tomorrow morning.

    • Marina_Dee
      Marina_Dee B3X

      Edited

      That swollen lymph node may indicate an infection that is spreading. Do see a professional before it gets out of hand.

  • B3X
    B3X

    Posted

    Update: I waited out till mo day even though its very uncomfortable with feeling of fullness, fluid leaking and pressure build up. Phone doctors practice monday morning, 1 min after they opened and was 18th in the queue. after over 20 mins waiting, I finally got through and was told there were no more phone appointments that day 😔 So they booked me in to be called Tuesday morning.

    Tuesday comes, they phoned just before midday and she said I do need to get it looked at but she has no appointments for that day, best bet is to go to a minor injuries unit.

    So off I went to minor injuries. The nurse practitioner looked into both ears, right one she said looked all normal. When she looked in the left she said "oo thats a nasty looking ear". she used these long soft brushed to try clean out some of the yellow fluid, which felt uncomfortable, but still couldnt see my eardrum. She has prescribed me a 5 day course of 500mg Amoxicillin, 1 tablet 3 times a day, and said if not improved after that I will need to be seen again.

    I've had two yesterday and had 2 today so far, last one before bed. Not had any change so far, but hoping by friday maybe will have some improvement, fingers crossed!

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