Is an ear infection always really painful?

[IWantRebeccasConfidence]

My ear has got that blocked feeling, and I can’t hear out of it. It feels like it’s full of fluid. Mildly achey but not painful. Have been trying wax dissolving drops for a few days to see if it makes a difference. Would an infection always be painful? Feel a bit silly going to the doctor if it’s just wax, or worth getting someone to look? It’s quite discombobulating.

I had a horrible blocked ear over winter, took a good 2-3 weeks to clear up. Apparently ears do take a while to right themselves. Have a look on the NHS website.

I've had blocked ears without significant pain when I've had ear infections in the past. Antibiotics cleared mine up.

I have exactly this after putting in olive oil drops

It was fine to start off with and my hearing improved but now it's worse and today started to feel quite tender

I've taken ibuprofen for any inflammation and will hope it goes down soon

You can buy antibiotic ear drops from the chemist so that will be my next stop if it gets worse ( I had to do this on holiday one year when I got a really painful ear infection from the pool)

I’ve had a couple of ear infection in the last few years.The first was unbelievably painful. The second that I had this new year was no where near as painful, the feeling of really wanting that blocked ear to pop was far worse. I would get some one to have a look. Hope it clears soon.

Thanks all, maybe I’ll give the Gp a call in the morning if it still feels the same. Seemed to be one of those things I thought I’d be tearing my face off or should just deal with but the complete deafness is a bit crap and it’s getting more painful and I feel a bit generally unwell.