What if ear wax removal does not relieve earache?

Earache can come from an outer or middle ear infection, irritation after cleaning, a small injury, pressure behind the eardrum, or pain referred from the jaw, teeth, throat, or neck. Wax removal may improve blockage while leaving another cause untreated. Pain, discharge, reduced hearing, ringing, itching, fever, and pain when the outer ear is touched help a clinician decide what to examine.

Keep water, cotton buds, and other objects out of the ear, and do not repeat wax removal without advice. Use only pain relief that is suitable for you and follow the product directions. Arrange an assessment if pain continues, worsens, or is joined by hearing change, discharge, or fever. Tell the clinician how the wax was removed and whether pain started before or after the procedure.

Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling around the ear, new facial weakness, marked dizziness, sudden hearing loss, blood or pus from the ear, high fever, or a severe headache with neck stiffness. Do not place drops in an injured ear unless a clinician has recommended them.

Ask whether the ear canal and eardrum look healthy, whether infection or referred pain is possible, and which treatments are safe if the eardrum may be damaged. Mention discharge, fever, hearing changes, and recent cleaning.