Ear fungus/infection help?

For about four months now, I’ve been dealing with this persistent itching in my left ear. My previous doctor—who sadly passed away last month—insisted everything looked perfectly fine. However, since the itching has actually intensified, I went to see her replacement. She immediately suspected a fungal infection because of the irritation. She mentioned it likely stems from working in a commercial kitchen, given all the heat, steam, and humidity. After spotting some whitish buildup, the nurse cleaned it out and advised me to pick up some Johnson & Johnson drops, claiming they’re the only antifungal option available. I was told to use them for two weeks before coming back for a follow-up. I’m currently ten days into the treatment, but honestly, I haven't felt any relief at all.
Has anyone else dealt with something similar? How long did your treatment take, and what finally cleared it up?

I’ve heard it’s actually helpful to use hydrogen peroxide—since it helps break down buildup and softens up the earwax—but I’m honestly not sure if there would be any kind of adverse reaction if you used it alongside Johnson & Johnson.

Do you find yourself constantly digging in your ears? Using swabs or other cleaning tools? I deal with the exact same issue, and honestly, the only real fix is to stop picking at them, but the urge is relentless. My doctor explained it this way: the ear exists in a delicate biological balance between bacteria and fungi. When everything is in equilibrium, you’re fine. If wax builds up too much, the body naturally pushes it out. However, over the years, I’ve developed a compulsive habit of picking and an addiction to that "eargasm"—that psychological hit you get when you finally dig something out. By constantly cleaning, I prevent natural wax buildup, leaving nothing behind but a fungal culture that causes constant itching. If your problem stems from over-cleaning with swabs, the solution is to simply stop. It works every time I try, but the addiction is a difficult hurdle to clear.

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If the swab comes back negative for fungus, you don't have a fungal infection. Period.

I try not to dig around in my ears with cotton swabs too much, 😁
though I have to admit, when the itching gets unbearable, I find myself wanting to just reach in and find some relief.
My doctor suggested I keep using the drops since this kind of thing can be such a pain to treat, and she mentioned that if the itching returns after things settle down, she'll send me in for a swab test...

Those doctors are always looking for ways to cut corners, putting their own bottom line ahead of patient care.
If you want to avoid getting some useless medication pumped into you just because someone else did, you might as well pay for your own swab test upfront.

Bradley Nelson2 said:Those doctors are always looking for ways to cut corners, putting their own bottom line ahead of patient care.
If you want to avoid getting some useless medication pumped into you just because someone else did, you might as well pay for your own swab test upfront.

Hmm, I don't think I can even find a place to get a private swab done here in Savannah.