For the past few days, anytime I yawn or open my mouth wide to talk or sing or whatever, the inside of my right ear feels like someone stabbed it with a needle. It is almost unbearably painful. For about half an hour to an hour after that, I can't hardly hear anything out of that ear. It is starting to worry me. Should I be concerned? I clean out my ears regularly, so I don't think it is an infection.

Ear problems run in my family. My youngest sister had to have tubes put in her ears when she was an infant; my brother had to have surgery on his ear (I don't remember what was wrong with it) about 10 years ago. Now he has a tumor (no cancer) in the same ear.

If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated. I really hope it isn't anything serious, because I have no health insurance and no way to pay for any kind of medical help.

It does sound as though you might have fluid behind your eardrums. This can be caused by something as simple as a common cold, or otitis media (inner ear infection).

Have you been ill recently?

Yes, I am recovering from a cold. It keeps traveling around my house and work... since my husband, our roommate and I all work in the same place. Is it something I need to worry about? The only remains of the cold I have are coughing and phlem.

BTW... I always look for your answers to my questions. You have always been the most helpful.

Thank you Avasean!

This is what I do when I am in the same situation you are in. You can alternate Sudafed and Benadryl. These two over-the-counter meds will help to dry up the fluid behind your ear. If it is not gone in a week, don't wait any longer, you will need to go to the doctor.

I still recommend being seen by someone though. I don't know where you live, but the local health department may be able to see you and here in the states Walgreens Drug Stores have set up clinics in many of their locations.

I've never taken sudafed that I can think of, but I know benadryl has a reverse effect on me. It makes me HYPER! And with as packed as my schedule is, the only time I would feel comfortable taking it is when I know I am not going anywhere, which is at night after work, so if I take it I won't be able to go to sleep.

But I will try the sudafed and see what that does. I guess a trip up north is out of the question until this is taken care of. I live in TX, and was thinking about going to Nevada within the next week or so. I suppose high altitudes wouldn't be good for me right now, huh?