Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/12/2009

Question
Hello,
I am due to see an ENT in a few weeks, but I was wondering if I could get some information in the meantime to help me out.  For the fast few weeks I have been having ear issues in both ears, but mainly in the right side.  It started with just full feeling in the ears, and popping, but then I started having sharp, shooting pains from in my ear down my neck, and a general tension like headache in my whole head.   Also, occasionaly in my right ear canal there is a burning sensation.  This has been very stressful, because I have been to my GP, and he says my ears look fine.  Also, and this may or may not be related, but there is a small lump on the side of my neck on my LEFT side, about the size of a pea, which I found about a week ago.  I thought it might be my lymph node, but I'm not sure.  sorry if this is kind of scatter brained, I have been dealing with the pain for 3 weeks now and 800mg ibuprofen is barely helping, if at all.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Sarah,
I would suggest you call your ENT and tell him about the lump you found.  It may or may not be a swollen lymph node.  It does sound as if you may have an infection, but only the ENT will be able to tell definitively.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology