Difference between viral infection or bacterial?

[anonxc]

Three days ago I lost hearing in my right ear, feels underwater and I have had a common cold for past week, yesterday I started to get pain in my ear (not severe but maybe a 5/10) when I cough or yawn it feels like something is in my ear and throbs a bit after, I've called doctor but they've said they need to see me in person and work has denied my request to leave for this appointment, I guess il have to call 111 tomorrow now but because of my cold is this likely to be viral? No fever or gunk just pain and loss of hearing in one ear

Have you tried using ear drops?

I haven't as I do 12 hour shifts, I haven't been able to leave my house as I work from home. I've been taking regular paracetamol for the pain though.

Because it's almost certainly either ear wax or fluid behind your ear drum which does happen when you have a cold. Neither need seen by a GP unless you develop an infection, which you'll know about because you'll feel feverish and be in pain.

Thank you. I don't have a fever but do have pain however it is not severe as I mentioned, it's controlled well with paracetamol so far, il order the ear drops and hope it works

Ok hearing in my right ear has got worse... legit sounds like underwater, worrying a bit now. Going to buy some ear drops and hope that works

Oh please don't put anything down your ear until you have seen a doctor. If your ear drum isn't intact then you could cause yourself significant issues!

So I just took a covid test as mum said to check as I started to feel slightly feverish, I'm positive for covid. Could this be the reason why I can't hear out of my right ear?