My ear hurts whenever i use cotton buds, and it appears to be blocked. the cotton bud cannot even go past the outer ear area due to the pain. when should i begin to worry?

Needs Dr. to examine: An ear infection on the inside of the eardrum is a "middle ear" infection, and can start when a person gets congestion from allergies, colds, or sinusitis. An ear infection on the outside of the eardrum is an "outer ear" infection or "swimmer's ear," which is caused by moisture in the outer ear canal that allows skin germs to grow and multiply in the skin. Other causes of pain are possible.