I’m an Audiologist. Science has disporved the practice of ear candling AND I have seen the after-effects of putting fire near your ear… and yes, ear pain is excruciating as a protective measure since the mechanisms are so delicate.
The only way to be certain that the problem is impacted cerumen is to have your ears examined. One other possibility is that you have a sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which if not treated promptly can become permanent. One of the parts of my job that I hate is when I have to inform people that their hearing loss is not medically treatable – especially when it might have been if they had sought help sooner.
As for ear cleaning techniques used by physicians, it varies and people have had painful and even traumatic experiences with each type – flushing with water, removal with a curette, or suction. If at all possible try to see an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist that has ALL the tools needed and the experience necessary to determine which will be most effective for the amount and consistency of the wax (if any) that is in your ear. And Yes, a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide/water solution is a common recommendation… but peroxide alone is usually not adviseable.
Our practice has a reduced fee for people without insurance. Call around and ask what the fees are. Describe your problem as a sudden hearing loss (since you can not be certain that it is wax), so they’ll get you in as soon as possible.
Feel free to contact me at HearKat@Yahoo.com if you have any questions. Good Luck!