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Is my eardrum REALLY perforated?

Hi there, I have never used this site before but I am getting super frustrated with my...

Posted by ashleyba89

Hi there, I have never used this site before but I am getting super frustrated with my ears! A little history. I have always had ear problems. Since I was about 12 years old (I am 23 now) I have had a problem with wax buildup in my areas. About every 3-4 months, I have to go to my general doctor and have him syringe the earwax out. It is pretty gross. I usually have big chunks of earwax come out of my ear. I will admit I am bad about sticking q-tips in my ears. About a week and a half ago, while taking a shower, I felt like I had water stuck in my ear. I grabbed a qtip and barely stuck it in my ear, but I think I must have pushed wax into the canal because it felt "clogged." I have been out of town away from my doctor and knew I could not see my doctor for 2-3 weeks and I had a ton to do so I kept trying with the q-tip to get the wax out. It just got worse and worse. I then tried hydrogen peroxide (Which my doctor has told me is safe) in BOTH ears (because the other has felt slightly clogged for a few weeks now) and no change. I decided to go to the Minute Clinic in CVS since I could not see my doctor. This lady BARELY looked in my ears, but said that my left ear had a white substance (which is weird because I have had ZERO drainage..) and diagnoses me as "ottis media with perforation". She gave me cipro ear drops (for 7 days) and a 10 day prescription for ammoxicilin.

I just finished the 10 day ammoxicilion today and my hearing has NOT gotten better. & Now my other ear feels full (I swear I have stuck NOTHING down this ear so I know it can't be perforated). The PA at Minute Clinic said that ear was about half full of wax but did not bother cleaning it out. I have made an appointment to see my doctor Monday (when I return home) and I am sure he can irrigate my right ear but I am worried about my left ear. If I had an infection, why has it not gotten any better after 10 days of antibiotics? Also, I have looked up the symptoms of a perforated eardrum and I have none except the hearing loss. I have had no drainage and there was no pain whatsoever. I do have some ringing in the ears (both) but I also experience that when my ears are clogged with wax. Also, I understand an infection can lead to a perforated eardrum but if I did perforate my eardrum with the q-tip, would this lead to an infection and so soon? I was messing with the q-tip on a tuesday nigh and saw minute clinic on Wednesday afternoon.. that seems fast for an infection to develop. I am freaking out to because my wedding is in 2 months and I need hearing!!! I am wondering if there is any chance maybe this PA didn't see wax in the left ear and that is all it is??? It feels just like it does when its clogged and these meds are helping!View Thread

Posted byashleyba89

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Is my eardrum REALLY perforated? Hi there, I have never used this site before but I am getting super frustrated with my...

Includes Expert Content

Reply: Is my eardrum REALLY perforated?

Thank you! You were 100% correct. I saw my regular doctor day (bless him for squeezing...

Posted by ashleyba89

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Is my eardrum REALLY perforated? Thank you! You were 100% correct. I saw my regular doctor day (bless him for squeezing...

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