I had a minor ear ache / irritation for a couple days. Then sudden major hearing loss, and draining considerable fluid with a bad odor. This lasted for a couple months. During this time, I experienced no pain, in fact, just the opposite. When using a Q-tip, I did not even feel the normal pain or discomfort if inserted too far. Like, nearly no feeling at all, just a tickling irritation from the fluid draining I assume. Now, this foul odor is in my nose near constantly, kinda like soured milk or maybe like a soured trash can, along with a near constant pretty awful taste that drips in my throat.