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What could cause discomfort after using earbuds?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

When I was using earbuds to clean my ears, I slipped and may have gone a little too deep with one. I felt some discomfort in my ear. That was three days ago, and I still feel a bit strange in that area. Could I have ruptured or punctured my eardrum? Is it important to see an ear doctor immediately?

Kindly suggest.
Answered by Dr. Anuja Rajendra Sonawane

Education:

BASLP

Professional Bio:

Ms. Anuja Sonawane is an Audiology and Speech Therapist with 21 years of clinical experience. She completed her Bachelor in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from the Rehabilitation Council of India in 2002. She is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing, balance, and other neural systems. She is currently practicing in Maharashtra.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As reported, there is a high chance that you might have ruptured your tympanic membrane. Did your ear bleed after using the earbuds? If yes, then there is a high likelihood of perforation in your ear. Please consult an ENT doctor as soon as possible.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

No, there was no blood. What should I do? Is the damage permanent?

Answered by Dr. Anuja Rajendra Sonawane

Education:

BASLP

Professional Bio:

Ms. Anuja Sonawane is an Audiology and Speech Therapist with 21 years of clinical experience. She completed her Bachelor in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from the Rehabilitation Council of India in 2002. She is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing, balance, and other neural systems. She is currently practicing in Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If there is no bleeding from ear, then still consult an ear specialist to clear the doubt. Even if there is perforation it could be treated. Damage is not permanent in most of the cases and it could be cured.

You can reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 1, 2016
Reviewed At August 27, 2024

Education:

BASLP

Professional Bio:

Ms. Anuja Sonawane is an Audiology and Speech Therapist with 21 years of clinical experience. She completed her Bachelor in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from the Rehabilitation Council of India in 2002. She is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing, balance, and other neural systems. She is currently practicing in Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Ear discomfort after earbud use?

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Dr. Anuja Rajendra Sonawane

Audiology

Education:

BASLP

Professional Bio:

Ms. Anuja Sonawane is an Audiology and Speech Therapist with 21 years of clinical experience. She completed her Bachelor in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from the Rehabilitation Council of India in 2002. She is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing, balance, and other neural systems. She is currently practicing in Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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