Fullness in ear/achy neck after ruptured eardrum

[Porchea]

My eardrum ruptured 6 days ago from a strep bacteria.  Before that I had been dealing with sinus congestion/infection for 3 weeks.  I thought it was getting better but must have been congested enough to hold the strep bacteria in without letting it drain.  The ENT Dr. said there must have been so much pressure and fluid built up behind my eardrum and couldn't get out so it ruptured my eardrum.  I was in excruciating pain for about 2-3 days after it ruptured.  And now I am achy in my neck, and ear is still tender and so much fullness in my ear and on that whole side of the head.  I am on antibiotics for the infection.  I'm just wondering how long this fullness will last and the aching in my neck?  Is it normal for it to last this long?  The Dr. said my rupture was really bad so it may take a while to heal but the constant fullness in head and achiness really concerns me.  I am watching for fever or other signs of meningitis.  My ear pain is much better but I have basically no hearing in that ear and just feel so clogged on that whole side.  I thought it would be better after the rupture.

[Binazaidi]

My ear is also full clogged and loss of hearing...it;s been 6 weeks now and I dont know when its going to be normal

[Jayden626]

I have the same exact thing you have but my side of my head is hurting and neck is stiff and Im vomiting oh and my inside ear is swollen is that normal? Please need answers starting to worry

[beachcomber13]

Wow, your ear infection must have been a doozy. Glad you are on the mend!

[Porchea]

Finally feeling better.  Still had a lot of pain and pressure for almost 2 weeks, but thankfully I am feeling better now.  And the morning I had my return Dr. appt., 12 days later, my ears started popping and I started getting my hearing back.  She said there is still fluid in there but seems to get better everyday.  My head finally feels 'almost' normal.  Thanks for the response!

[beachcomber13]

Welcome to the hearing loss community--sorry you are going through such a rough time.

Typically the fulness and pain decreases after the eardrum ruptures and the nasty stuff drains out. I am surprised that you continued to feel worse.

How are you doing now?