Around two weeks ago, I noticed when cleaning out my left ear that there was some sort of abscess that had developed. I have had them before, so I thought nothing of it and that it would go away in a week or so. Not this time, though.

I started noticing that my hearing in my left ear had been affected - everything seemed a bit hushed. I can still hear things, however.

Next thing was that, when in quiet surroudings (e.g. lying in bed) I started hearing a rapid on-off hissing noise (that's the best description I can come up with) coming from the ear, which sounded like air was escaping in short spurts, pausing briefly and then being expelled again. Imagine you've got a bicycle tyre pump in your hand and you're pumping away - air comes out in brief spurts. I started noticing this during the day as well.

Yesterday, I noticed that my ear really appeared to be more blocked than before and my jaw started to hurt on the left side. Today, I find that my hearing is worse than before and that my jaw hurts to a greater degree than it did previously. I am also finding that it is difficult to open my mouth - to eat, for example, as well as to talk. If I touch any part of that ear, I feel pain - not a huge amount, but enough.

I have an appointment with my regular doctor on Tuesday morning for a totally unrelated ailment. Is it worth hanging on until then, or is it something more serious that I should get checked out before then? In a masterpiece of timing, it is now the weekend, so I will have to wait until Monday morning at the latest.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

It sounds like maybe you have an ear infection or at the very least some fluid in your ear. Is there any drainage coming from your ear? At this point, I'd say just wait until Tuesday. Although you could call your doctor Monday to see if there are any appoinements that opened up earlier, and then ask about moving yours up to the earlier slot. :)

Thanks for posting.

It does feel that there is some fluid in my ear, but there is a blockage (wax) that is preventing it coming out.

My jaw pain has subsided somewhat, though it is still difficult to eat and to talk. Still, not long to wait!