Ear infection or water in the ear? (sinus, pain, cold)

[KsStorm]

Since Sunday my right ear has been ringing, crackling, hurting, can barely hear out of it. I've tried ear drops, peroxide, and antipyrene & Benzocaine otic solution. No luck. I haven't had a cold or congestion, although most of the family has been sick off & on. Any ideas? The crackling & ringing is driving me nuts & we've no insurance, so a doctor is out.

[McGowdog]

I once had water in my ear that lasted days. I knew where it happened. We were tubing down the Potomac River and I fell in during some rapids... must have got dirty water or something in there.

My equalibrium was goofed up something awful at first. I kept falling to one side when we got out. I tried ear drops for a few days.

Then one day, I dove into a swimming pool and it cleared!

Don't know that's what's happening and wouldn't want to imply that as a cure. Just thought you might see similarites in symptoms or differences.

Hope that clears up for ya soon! I've gone to Emergicare when I had to and had no insurance. I can sure relate there. If you need antibiotics or something, that's one time when I don't hate docs so much.

[myrc60]

Originally Posted by KsStorm

Since Sunday my right ear has been ringing, crackling, hurting, can barely hear out of it. I've tried ear drops, peroxide, and antipyrene & Benzocaine otic solution. No luck. I haven't had a cold or congestion, although most of the family has been sick off & on. Any ideas? The crackling & ringing is driving me nuts & we've no insurance, so a doctor is out.

Usually when I can not hear anything in one or both ears it is because of heavy congestion. I'd suggest you try a decongestant and see if that makes any difference.

[Sgoldie]

Two techniques to drain an ear -

1) Open your mouth very wide like a big yawn for a minute.

2) Hold your nose shut with your fingers and blow moderately as if blowing your nose.

If it hurts, discontinue.

[Ellise]

When I was a kid, I had a series of very painful ear infections caused by water in the ear. If I remember correctly, it was an outer ear infection, and while painful, it wasn't as serious as an inner ear infection, which I think would be less painful.

[KsStorm]

I can "pop" my ears, but it doesn't help. I called the health dept., they only have a nurse on TUESDAYS, I'm a day late. My whole side of my neck and head hurts along w/ the ear now. Having one heck of a time taking care of a 2 year old & sick 14 year old. I've tried nearly all the online home remedies, to no avail. Except garlic in olive oil... mya have to have DH go to town & get some when he gets home don't think I shoul drive.

[averagejoe76]

Im having some ear issues but i had sinus pain/headaches with it.
Once i tried some Swimmers ear stuff(its basically rubbing alcohol).
It knocked some stuff loose from my ear when i tilted my head.
Try placing a warm cloth under your ear for a while,also take a decongestant..
Like someone mentioned.I have heard a mix of alcohol/white vinegar can help.
The rubbing alcohol dries up the ear/vinegar kills the infection.
I know what you are going through,i have deal with it 2 times in the last year.
Its been bad enough that i couldnt hear at all out of one ear.

[KsStorm]

Originally Posted by averagejoe76

Im having some ear issues but i had sinus pain/headaches with it.
Once i tried some Swimmers ear stuff(its basically rubbing alcohol).
It knocked some stuff loose from my ear when i tilted my head.
Try placing a warm cloth under your ear for a while,also take a decongestant..
Like someone mentioned.I have heard a mix of alcohol/white vinegar can help.
The rubbing alcohol dries up the ear/vinegar kills the infection.
I know what you are going through,i have deal with it 2 times in the last year.
Its been bad enough that i couldnt hear at all out of one ear.

Thanks, I have tried all those. Just keeps ringing & crackling

[andreaspercheron]

I have really small internal workings of my ears so, every time I swim I have the same problem. Best thing to do is to lie down on a pillow (with a towel) on the ear that is bothering you and let it run out. Sometimes it works, others not. If it were infected, eventually you will have a lot of pain and your ear may be hot.

[thriftylefty]

Have you tried Benadryl?