Earache and swelling after olive oil

[LadyWhistledown]

Hoping someone can offer some advice!

My ears have been blocked on and off with wax for over a year now. I've been advised that they ideally need syringing/microsuction to remove the wax but my GP surgery isn't currently offering any this 'because of Covid.'

I managed to book for microsuction this week at SpecSavers as one ear was completely blocked and have dutifully putting olive oil in twice a day as they advise.

My ear is now on fire! It's bright red, swollen and excruciatingly painful, especially after putting in the olive oil. Specsavers now say they can't do anything and I am stuck with this horrific pain. I've had no sleep and am counting down the minutes to my next dose of ibuprofen to try to take the edge off it.

What do I do? Has the olive oil caused an infection? I feel terrible

call 111 today

I’ve suffered with blocked ears for years and have finally found a home method for removing the wax, using warm water in a water tooth flossing device, it works brilliantly!

However you’ve now developed an infection and so will need to fix that first unfortunately. I’d ring 111 as pp advised and hopefully get an emergency GP appointment probably for antibiotics (oral or ear drops).

Thanks both, I have called 111 and been sent to the out of hours service for antibiotics and instructions not to put any more olive oil in there!

That's good news Op. Hope the antibiotics kick in quickly.