Why am I experiencing ear pain, swelling, and muffled sound?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The symptoms described include ear pain starting last night, itching with the use of cotton swabs, sensation of swelling inside the ear, and muffled hearing with a bubble-like sensation in the right ear, strongly suggesting possible conditions such as middle ear infection (otitis media), eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), or inflammation or swelling of the ear canal.

Middle ear infections can cause pain, muffled hearing, swelling, and a sensation of fullness or bubbles inside the ear due to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. Eustachian tube dysfunction, commonly triggered by allergies, colds, or infections, can create a sensation of pressure, muffled hearing, and popping or bubbling noises as the tube fails to equalize pressure properly.

Scratching the ear canal with cotton swabs can damage delicate skin, cause irritation or micro-injuries, and introduce or worsen infections, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and itching. Given the pain onset last night, itching, and current use of eardrops, the ear might have an infection or inflammation aggravated by cotton swab use. The bubble sensation likely reflects Eustachian tube issues or fluid in the middle ear.

I would suggest the following:

Avoid inserting cotton swabs deeper into the ear canal to prevent further injury or infection.

Continue using prescribed eardrops as directed.

Visit a healthcare provider or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist promptly for:

• Ear examination.

• Possible ear microscopy.

• Appropriate treatment (which may include oral antibiotics if bacterial infection is diagnosed).

Symptoms and history suggest an ear infection or Eustachian tube dysfunction complicated by local irritation from cotton swabs, requiring evaluation and cautious management.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.