What are the possible causes for clicking sounds in the ears and how can it be treated?

Thank you for your question. From the symptoms that you described, you may be suffering from an ear infection. The two most common ear infections are: 1. Otitis externa – infection of the ear canal 2. Otitis media – infection of the space behind the ear drum You will need to see a general practitioner or ENT Specialist to have the infection treated. Since you have been getting an ear discharge, you will most likely need antibiotic ear drops.

Thank you for your question. Yes, Q-tips or any other cotton buds are not meant to be inserted into the ear canals as they are too big! You will end up pushing your earwax deeper into the ear canal or may damage the lining of the ear and cause an ear infection. I’ve also seen broken Q-tips lodged in the ear canal or puncturing the eardrum! It sounds like you may have developed an ear canal infection (also known as otitis externa) and given topical antibiotics by your GP.