.. but just in case, I’m asking the internet what I should do.
After my shower this morning I used a Q-Tip (I know, I know – you’re not supposed to, but everyone does it) to dry out the inside of my ear because wet ear canals make me vaguely uncomfortable. Anyway, this morning something went wrong – there was a huge sharp pain in my ear that made me see stars and swear. There’s no blood or brain matter oozing out of my head, but my ear is sore and feels weird. I’ve got a little bit of vertigo, but this isn’t anything new – I’m always dizzy. Should I get checked out? Do I have ear herpes now? Did I pop my brain? I am no good at my health.
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Been there, done that. I think you probably touched/poked the eardrum. It could get infected so if it’s still sore tomorrow and/or starts oozing anything (but don’t stick any more q tips up there to check!) you should get it checked out.
Ruptured ear drum. Go to the doctor. Should heal fine, but if you are like me, you end up with a permanent pierced ear drum that needs surgery to fix.
Also, how the hell did you stick it that far up?!
it’s probably not ruptured, but there is probably a fairly good hematoma. it will be tender around your ear for a while (week?) and may make you a little dizzy. despite that, you should go get it looked at, just in case.
Yep.. ear drum meets Q-Tip. All hell breaks loose.
I won’t venture as far as the others have, but I agree that’s the nasty combination that led to the problem. It also proves my late grandmother right – never stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.
OMG!!! Ear herpies! EEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK
or, maybe its that other ear drum thing. BUT i think ear herpes is MUCH more likely.
just stop by a clinic and they’ll peek inside and tell you what’s what. Like others have said you probably just hit the eardrum so it’ll be sore for a while. A clinic though can tell you for sure and make sure it isn’t worse or likely to get infected. If you are lucky you can convince them to clean your ears out with warm water and a syringe or similar. I had that done and it was awesome! lots of wax came out and I could hear about twice as well afterward :)