The phrase can imply feeling unwelcome after being reprimanded or criticized.

Rejection Feeling

Severity of scolding can affect the emotion behind having a 'flea in your ear'.

Intensity Varies

Often used when someone is disregarded or brushed off abruptly.

It suggests a person is emotionally affected, not just logically disagreed with.

There's no actual flea; it's a metaphor for nagging irritation or annoyance.

Reflects personal feelings, may not mean a situation is objectively bad.