Ear Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Pain Relief
One or both ears experiencing a severe, dull, or scorching discomfort is called an earache (otalgia). The discomfort could be temporary or persistent. Related circumstances consist of:
- Otitis media
- Swimmer's ear
- Malignant otitis externa
Earache in the inner or outer ear may interfere with the ability to hear, often caused by excess fluid and infection.
Ear pain can have non-disease-related causes, such as:
- Tight headwear
- Poorly fitting headphones
- Sleeping on a hard surface
- Ear piercings
- Grinding teeth
- Getting an object stuck in the ear
Types of Ear
The ear is divided into three sections:
- The Outer ear
- The Middle ear, and
- The Inner ear.
The Eustachian tubes are responsible for equalizing the air pressure in the middle ear and allowing mucus to flow from the middle ear to the throat.
- An earache can affect one or both ears, ranging from a mild ache to severe pain, often with a feeling of fullness or burning. It can develop suddenly or gradually.
- In children, earaches are commonly caused by middle ear infections (otitis media), while in adults, ear pain is often referred from issues with the jaw, teeth, or temporomandibular joint. Referred ear pain increases with age.
- Earaches can be short-lived, such as those from altitude changes, but if they persist for more than 24-48 hours or worsen, it could be caused by conditions like jaw arthritis, ear infection, or a foreign object.
- If an earache worsens, doesn't improve, or is accompanied by sudden pain and bloody discharge, it may indicate a ruptured eardrum, and you should see a doctor promptly. Immediate medical attention is needed if the ear pain is accompanied by excessive crying, high fever, dizziness, altered alertness, ear swelling, or facial weakness.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Ear Pain(otalgia)
Earaches may be caused by injury, infection, ear irritation, or referred pain, which could be felt in the ear from the jaw or teeth.
ear pain causes include
- Ear Infections (Otitis Media or Otitis Externa):
- Otitis Media: Infections in the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria or viruses, can lead to pain, fluid buildup, and sometimes hearing loss.
- Otitis Externa: Known as swimmer's ear, this is an infection of the outer ear canal, typically caused by bacteria or fungi.
- Earwax Build-up: Too much or impacted earwax can cause discomfort, pressure, and pain in the ear.
- Injury or Trauma: Injury to the ear, sudden changes in air pressure (like during flights), or inserting objects into the ear can cause pain.
- Sinus Infections: Sinusitis can create pressure and pain, which can radiate to the ear because of shared nerve pathways.
- TMJ Disorders: Problems with the jaw joint can cause referred pain, affecting the ear as well.
- Tooth or Jaw Pain: Issues like tooth infections or jaw problems (like abscesses) can radiate pain to the ear.
- Throat Infections: Infections like tonsillitis or pharyngitis can cause pain that spreads to the ear.
- Changes in Air Pressure: Sudden changes in air pressure, such as during flying or diving, can cause discomfort in the ear.
- Mastoiditis: A serious infection of the mastoid bone, which can occur if an ear infection spreads.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the ear canal or middle ear, leading to pain.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: If the Eustachian tube gets blocked due to infection, allergies, or a cold, it can cause ear pain.
- Neuralgia: Inflammation or irritation of the nerves near the ear can cause sharp, shooting pains.
The causes of ear pain in the left and causes of ear pain in the right are generally similar, but there are some factors that may cause pain in one ear more than the other.
Other Common Causes of Earache
- Change in pressure, such as when flying in an airplane
- Accumulation of earwax
- A foreign object in the ear
- Strep throat
- Sinus infection
- Shampoo or water trapped in the ear
- Use of cotton swabs in the ear
Less Common Causes of Earache
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome(TMJ)
- Perforated eardrum
- Arthritis affecting the jaw
- Infected tooth
- Impacted tooth
- Eczema in the ear canal
- Trigeminal neuralgia (chronic pain of the facial nerve)
Ear Pain Symptoms
Identifying ear pain symptoms can help in seeking timely treatment. Symptoms may include:
- Sharp or dull pain in the ear
- Ear fullness or pressure
- Hearing loss or changes in hearing
- Fluid or discharge from the ear
- Itching or irritation in the ear canal
- Dizziness or Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Pain When Swallowing or Yawning
- Throbbing Ear Pain
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Book an AppointmentTreatment Options for Earache
Treatment for ear pain often depends on the cause of the problem. Common ear pain treatments include drugs, surgery
Medication
- To reduce ear pain, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Your doctor may also recommend best ear drops for pain relief.
- Antibiotics like amoxicillin are used for severe ear infections in children but are not always needed.
- Ear pain from earwax buildup should not be treated with cotton swabs, as they push wax deeper. Consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment.
Surgery
- Children who are prone to earaches from ear infections may need surgery in which a small tube is inserted into the eardrums to prevent fluid build-up. Short-term tubes usually last around 6-9 months before falling off on their own.
- Long-term tubes are larger and secured in place.
Home Remedies for Ear Pain (Earache)
If an earache is not severe or a person is waiting for medical treatment to work, they may want to try home remedies for pain relief.
Here are some effective home remedies for ear pain sufferers:
Over-The-Counter Drugs :
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can temporarily reduce the pain of an earache. People with ear pain can try:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- It is important to remember that it is not safe to give aspirin to babies and toddlers. This is due to the risk of a life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome.
Heating Pads :
- The heat from an electric heating pad or hot compress can reduce inflammation and pain in the ear.
- Apply a warm pillow to the ear for 20 minutes. For best results, people should touch the neck and throat with a warm pad.
- The heating pad should not be too hot. People should never fall asleep with a heating pad or allow a child to use a hot compress without adult supervision.
Cold Pack :
- A cold compress can relieve the pain of an earache.
- Try wrapping ice in a paper towel or freezing a cold compress, then covering it with a light cloth. Hold it against the ear and the area immediately below the ear for 20 minutes.
- The cold shouldn't hurt, and parents should never apply ice directly to their children's skin.
- Some people find that heat provides greater relief than cold. For others, alternating hot and cold compresses (20 minutes hot, followed by 20 minutes cold) provides the best pain relief.
Ear Drops :
- Ear pain relief drops can reduce the pressure in the ear caused by fluid and earwax.
- People should read the instructions carefully and talk to a doctor before using ear drops on a child.
- Ear drops are not a substitute for prescription ear drops or antibiotics, so people should only use them for a few days. If symptoms return, people should see a doctor.
- It is important to remember that people should not use ear drops on a child with tubes in their ears or whose eardrum has ruptured.
Ear Massage :
- Gentle massage can help relieve ear pain that radiates to the jaw or teeth or causes a tension headache.
- People can massage the sensitive area and the surrounding muscles. For example, if the area behind the ear hurts, try massaging the jaw and neck muscles.
- Massage can also relieve pain from an ear infection.
- Using a downward motion, apply pressure starting just behind the ears and down the neck.
- Continue to apply downward pressure, work towards the front of the ears.
- This type of massage can help drain excess fluid from the ears and prevent the pain from getting worse.
Garlic for Ear Pain :
- Garlic has long been used in traditional ear pain medicine for ear pain relief. Some research suggests that it has antimicrobial properties that can fight infection.
- People should not use it as a substitute for antibiotics recommended by a doctor. Instead, consider adding garlic to an antibiotic regimen to speed relief.
Onions for Ear Health :
- Like garlic, onions can help fight infections and reduce pain. Like garlic, onions are not a substitute for medical care.
- Heat onion in the microwave for a minute or two. Then filter the liquid and apply several drops to the ear. A person may want to lie down for 10 minutes and then allow the fluid to drain out of the ear. Repeat this as needed.
