Does prolonged use of ear plugs at night hurt the ears in any way?
414770
You could get ear infections. Wearing ear plugs constantly at night makes your ear canal warm and moist.Plus most people use the same ear plugs night after night. They just put them in their ears without washing their hands first.  Perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses due lack of washing hands, changing ear plugs and it becomes a warm moist environment. If you need to wear them every night. Change them frequently and remember to wash you hands before inserting them into your ear.
459463
Although it is possible this is related to a sinus infection, it is unlikely.  There are many reasons that people can have draining ears, from allergy flare ups to cholesteatoma to a hole in your eardrum to a chronic otitis externa(outer ear infection).  You should see your primary care doctor to let them examine you.  If they treat you with either oral antibiotics or ear drops, and that doesn't work, you should visit with an ear, nose and throat doc.
34007
Some people have soft earwax, while others have hard, firm earwax. It can get irritating if it accumulates in the ear. You may hear a ringing sound, feel pressure in the ear, or have decreased hearing. I suggest you put 3 drops of baby or mineral oil in the affected ear while lying sideways (the affected ear is facing upwards). Rub the oil in the ear for 2-3 mins. then stand up. Let the oil flow out of the ear. Do this for a week. This will soften the earwax and it will move out slowly. Avoid using Q-tips as they will push the earwax further inside the ear. If the earwax is persistent, you may have to go to a doctor who will flush out the earwax using water and a tube that he inserts into the ear.
925728
I have the same issue.  When it flares up, I take a non-drowsy, 12 hour decongestant (alavert is good) and that usually takes care of the problem. \nDo you have vertigo? My doctor says that sometimes accompanies this ear-popping/blocked issue. \n\nGood luck, try the decongestant, don't take more than you need.
1030170
If you dove or swam to the bottom of the deep end the water pressure may have been enough to give you that clogged sensation.  The mechanism is basically the same as with the air pressure during a flight:\n\nBehind your ear drum is an air pocket - the middle ear - that is connected to the back of the throat by the Eustachian tube. That tube will open and close again when swallowing or yawning to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear to that of the environment around you. That is why it is often recommended to chew gum or suck on hard candy during take-off and landing.  \n\nFor some people, the Eustachian tube does not function properly, and when the pressure builds up, sound can be muffled and you might hear noises (like ringing) in your ears.  If the pressure does not resolve, it can lead to a build up of fluid behind the eardrum, which restricts its movement even more.\n\nIf your eustachian tubes are not functioning properly, which can be due to upper respiratory ailments like allergies, or a cold, or sore throat; and the pressure can be quite painful.  Some people take antihistamines and/or decongestants to clear the upper respiratory system. \n\nIf the pressure builds up anyway, you could try to force some air into the middle ear by holding your breath (pinch your nose if needed) and blowing gently and steadily for a few seconds to force air pressure through the Eustachian tubes into the middle ear.  This is called a ValSalva maneuver -- be careful not to blow too hard or you could damage your ears.\n\nAs other people have noted, there could also be fluid that is not draining from your ear canal, which could breed a fungus or infection (swimmers ear).  If it persists, or if you get any itching, pain, fever, or drainage from the ear, see a doctor.
216131
not usually, unless you don't treat it.  It's just an ear infection, don't worry!!
477323
This question can't answered until you find out what has caused it.  The condition is called Tinnitus, and it is usually permanent, and nearly untreatable.  It is also usually progressive, meaning that it gets worse as you get older.  It is caused by the sensor hairs being permanently bent over in the cochlear section of the inner ear, or by nerve damage. See an audiologist, fast.  It can be brought on, or aggravated, by certain medications.  Ibuprofen and antibiotics make mine worse.  But the most important thing to know is; recognize if you are causing the damage yourself.  Do you work with power tools?  Shoot guns?  Play your stereo way too loud / in the clubs regularly or jam with the band unprotected?  If yes to any of these, then it is you that is causing the damage, and it will only get worse.  People have committed suicide because the noise drove them mad.  So; to sum up, get checked out, and take a close look at your habits.  Damage can occur in thousandths of a second, and once done, there is NOTHING that can be done to repair or heal it.
65309
You might have an ear infection? but... try asking a doctor.. i think it's better that wa
1111180
It seems as though something is keeping sound from traveling through your ear.  It could be wax build-up, as the use of cotton swabs can push the wax deeper into the ear, eventually forming a plug.  \n\nOr it could be Eustachian Tube dysfunction.  Behind your ear drum is an air pocket - the middle ear - that is connected to the back of the throat by the Eustachian tube. That tube will open and close again when swallowing or yawning to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear to that of the environment around you. That is why it is often recommended to chew gum or suck on hard candy during take-off and landing in an airplane.  \n\nFor some people, the Eustachian tube does not function properly, and when the pressure builds up, sound can be muffled and you might hear noises (like ringing) in your ears.  If the pressure does not resolve, it can lead to a build up of fluid behind the eardrum, which restricts its movement even more.\n\nIf your eustachian tubes are not functioning properly, which can be due to upper respiratory ailments like allergies, or a cold, or sore throat; and the pressure can be quite painful.  Some people take antihistamines and/or decongestants to keep the upper respiratory system clear. \n\nIf the pressure persists, you could try to force some air into the middle ear by holding your breath (pinch your nose if needed) and blowing gently and steadily for a few seconds to force air pressure through the Eustachian tubes into the middle ear.  This is called a ValSalva maneuver -- be careful not to blow too hard or you could damage your ears.\n\nIf you have any other symptoms, like significant hearing loss, humming/buzzing sounds, dizziness/spinning, fever, or drainage from the ear, see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
64836
Yeah, i'm pretty sure that a big build-up of earwax makes it a little harder to hear. Long-term though it has serious side effects that can lead to permenantly damaged hearning, it clogs up the works to far down for you to clean out, not good stuff.
684332
If you go to a place that sells hunting/shooting supplies, you can get earplugs that go inside the ears.  They are designed for use while shooting (which can be quite loud!) so they should filter out a lot of noise.
518941
Don't mess with it and if you tend to sleep on that ear, try not to.  Take a piece of ice and try numbing it that way but don't put any medicine on it except the cleanser they gave you.  It might take up to a year to completely heal.
1138875
I had this problem for quite awhile and used Q-tips to help. I worked in a hospital and went to the ER. and asked one of the doctors to check it out for me. She said my ear canal was "clean as a whistle". The problem?-too LITTLE ear wax from overuse of the Q-tips. I stopped using them and the problem resolved.
276758
Well first your ear uses some of that wax as protection....cleaning the outside of the ear with a q-tip is fine, but the furthur you penetrate into the ear you run the risk of damaging the ear-drum which can cause hearing loss.  You really only need to do the q-tip thing about once a week....then just clean your ears in the shower with a washcloth if you are that concerned about earwax build-up
866821
Younger children less than three years old will have pain for a week or less; older children and adults may have pain for as long as two or three weeks. Many will also note ear pain. This is due to common nerves that go to both the throat and the ears, thus tricking the brain into thinking there is ear pain when the pain is actually coming from the throat. \n\nTo assist with pain control and fluid intake, Popsicles may be eaten as often as tolerated. This serves as an ice pack at the back of the throat.\n\nI am so sorry that you are in pain but it appears you will gradually get better and will be OK in a couple of weeks. If you still have unbearable pain, by all means see your doctor again.
720548
You should go see a doctor you may have ear damage. If you listen  to very loud music with earphones or ear buds the sound vibrations damage the eardrum.
649996
24 hours... if after that your ears still ring then see a doctor\n\nYou will be fine if it is not repeated often