Correction: I meant the middle ear, not the inner ear!
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Advice: Don’t just stick to a single pain reliever if it only dulls the ache slightly. Ibuprofen barely kept me from crying. Try a (SAFE) mix if necessary, like combining ibuprofen with acetaminophen. I did this after days of suffering and literally wept with joy when the pain finally subsided! This combination dropped my pain level from an 8 down to a 1.
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Heat is a lifesaver! I noticed that cold air made the throbbing significantly worse, which explains why nights and mornings were tougher. Applying warmth felt incredible when the pain peaked (prior to my meds kicking in).
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You can find massage guides online for specific pressure points that might ease the tension. They might not work for everyone, but they’re a good way to de-stress and take your mind off the discomfort.
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Never hesitate to visit a walk-in clinic or call a physician! It’s better to get professional reassurance and “lose some time” than to stay in agony. If you feel like something is seriously wrong, trust your instincts.
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Polysporin ear drops are totally slept on! I’m currently using the version with antibiotics and Lidocaine every six hours. The Lidocaine provides extra numbing on top of the oral meds. While many drops don’t do much for the root cause, these actually help combat the infection!
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Keep EVERYTHING out of your ear except for your meds. No fingers, no cotton swabs—nothing. It needs air. I get that it feels clogged and annoying, but messing with it only makes the pain way worse.
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Be gentle with yourself! Have some ice cream, put on a film, and curl up for a nap. If your body needs sleep, let yourself rest.
