What Causes Discomfort And Pressure In The Left Ear?

Posted on Tue, 3 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 3 May 2016 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm not sure what information I will provide is relevant to my symptoms but I will provide as much as possible hopefully leading to a more accurate diagnosis. I have neglected my health over the past 3 years. This means drug abuse, alcohol abuse, smoking and engaging in risky behavior with sex workers. I know that this has to change and that will be done. I'm just looking for an expert opinion on the following. I have been experiencing a light discomfort, pressure almost in the canal of my left ear, this has been ongoing to a period of 2 months and I am not sure what it is. My anxiety is getting the best of me and I think that this might be cancer related, I do not know what steps to take in order to calm the anxiety I am having and fearing the worst. I had also been to the dentist 2 months ago and had some work done on my lower left side. My diagnosis is that this pressure may be the result of some cancerous tumor that might me in my ear, neck that is causing the pressure I'm feeling in my left ear. I think that i will have to visit an ENT specialist, have MRI done to get to the core of this. In the meantime, I'm wandering if anyone can shed some light here.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

The sensation you describe is highly, highly, highly unlikely to be caused by a tumor. This could be a lymph node, earwax, or any number of benign things. Visit a primary care doctor for a basic ear exam which will rule out a tumor without even needing expensive tests like MRIs or CT scans. As for your anxiety, I recommend seeing a cognitive behavioral therapist, which would help you keep your anxiety about this issue in check. If you do not have a CBT therapist in your area, I do offer online text-based therapy via questions at my private link below. I hope this has reassured you.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (13 minutes later)

Hi Dr Sheppe, thanks for your reply. I guess there is nothing more that can be determined from here.. I would ultimately have to visit a doc to get this looked at and hopefully assessed. It's really a slight discomfort, nothing more but i can rule out earwax since my hearing is fine, lymph nodes, I've check them under jaw, neck area, nothing seems unusual, this is why it has lead me to believe something else is going on. Anything else you can think of given my unruly behaviour?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Earwax can build up and cause discomfort even without impacting hearing. I just use this as an example of one very reasonable benign thing this could be. Try not to worry too much, and go get an exam by a primary care doctor to see what this is. I'm sure it will be fine!

Dr. Sheppe

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T