Ear Pain
Ear pain is a common problem that can affect adults and children. The main causes of ear pain include ear infections, sinus infections, injuries, pressure changes, and problems with the jaw or teeth. Sometimes, allergies or even a build-up of earwax can lead to discomfort.
Understanding why the ear hurts is important because the pain might not always start in the ear itself. For example, issues with the throat, teeth, or sinuses can also cause pain that feels like it comes from the ear. Knowing the cause helps people figure out when to try home care and when to talk to a doctor.
Definition of Symptom
Ear pain, also called earache, is a feeling of discomfort or pain in one or both ears. It can range from mild to severe and may occur suddenly or develop over time. This symptom may feel sharp, dull, burning, or throbbing.
Sometimes, the pain is constant; other times, it comes and goes. Ear pain may be the main complaint or occur with other issues like hearing loss or discharge. Ear pain falls into two main types:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Otalgia | Pain that starts from problems inside the ear (like an infection or injury). |
| Secondary Otalgia | Pain that starts outside the ear but feels like it is in the ear (also called referred pain). |
Primary otalgia usually comes from causes such as infections, injuries, or swelling in the ear itself. Secondary otalgia comes from problems in nearby areas, such as the throat, teeth, or jaw. Children often experience ear pain, but it can affect people of all ages.
Both adults and children should pay attention to other symptoms that may occur with earaches, including fever, hearing changes, or drainage from the ear. Nearby health problems can sometimes cause earache. This is why it is important to consider both ear issues and other health conditions when finding the cause.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Ear pain can have many causes. Some are simple, while others may need medical attention. Below is a list of common reasons for ear pain and related conditions.
- Ear Infections: Middle ear infection and outer ear infection (swimmer’s ear) are top causes. They can happen after a cold or water exposure.
- Earwax Buildup: Too much earwax can press against the eardrum or ear canal. This leads to pain, blocked hearing, or sometimes ringing in the ear.
- Eustachian Tube Problems: The eustachian tubes help balance pressure. If they get blocked or swollen, people can feel pain and a sense of fullness.
- Allergies and Sinus Problems: Allergies or sinus infections can cause swelling. This often leads to referred pain in the ears.
- Injuries or Foreign Objects: Putting objects like cotton swabs in the ear, or trauma to the ear, can cause pain.
- Ruptured Eardrum: A tear in the eardrum causes sharp pain, hearing loss, or fluid leaking from the ear.
- Dental Problems: Tooth infections or jaw issues sometimes cause pain that feels like it’s in the ear.
| Cause | Symptoms | Possible Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infection | Pain, fever, discharge | Colds, water |
| Earwax buildup | Pain, hearing loss | No cleaning, waxy ears |
| Eustachian tube problems | Fullness, popping | Allergies, colds |
| Injury/foreign object | Sharp pain, bleeding | Inserting objects |
Other Non-Disease Causes
Ear pain is not always caused by an illness or infection. Everyday activities and situations can also lead to discomfort in the ear. One common cause is earwax buildup. Improper cleaning can block the ear canal and cause pressure or pain. Using cotton swabs can sometimes push the wax deeper, making it worse.
Loud noises, such as concerts or using headphones at high volumes, may cause temporary ear pain. Lowering the volume or using earplugs can help prevent this problem. Changes in air pressure during flights or while scuba diving can create discomfort or sharp pain. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help equalize the pressure.
Sometimes, water trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing can cause irritation. This is often called “swimmer’s ear.” Tilting the head or using ear drops can help remove the water. A sudden injury to the ear, such as getting hit or poked, can also cause pain. People should avoid sticking objects in their ears to lower the risk of damage.
Some people experience ear pain due to problems with their jaw or teeth. Issues like clenching teeth, gum disease, or dental infections can send pain signals to the ear through shared nerves. Here is a quick list of non-disease causes of ear pain:
- Excess earwax
- Loud noises
- Air pressure changes
- Water in the ear
- Injury
- Jaw or dental issues
How It Causes the Symptom
Ear pain happens when something irritates or inflames the ear or nearby areas. Infections, injuries, blockages, or pressure changes can all trigger pain. Infections often cause swelling, redness, and fluid buildup in the ear, which puts pressure on sensitive tissues. Sinus infections can block the Eustachian tube, preventing fluid from draining and causing pain and a full feeling in the ear.
Earwax buildup can press against the eardrum or ear canal, causing sharp or dull pain, hearing changes, or swelling. Pain in the ear sometimes comes from other areas like the throat, teeth, or jaw because the nerves around the ear also serve these regions.
Examples of How the Symptom Starts
| Cause | What Happens | Common Symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | Swelling & fluid buildup | Throbbing pain |
| Wax Blockage | Pressure on eardrum | Dull or sharp pain |
| Sinus Issues | Eustachian tube blocked | Fullness, pain |
| Injury | Tissue damage | Stabbing pain |
People can use medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present. For some infections or wax issues, ear drops can help ease symptoms or clear blockages.
Possible Complications
If an infection causes ear pain and goes untreated, several complications can develop. Hearing loss is a common issue. This can be temporary, but repeated or untreated infections might cause some hearing loss to become permanent. Ear drainage can happen when fluid or pus leaks from the ear, which signals a worse infection.
This usually means the eardrum has burst or there is a lasting infection. Sometimes, infections spread to areas near the ear, leading to a bone infection behind the ear called mastoiditis. Signs include swelling, redness, and pain behind the ear. The table below shows some possible complications:
| Complication | Possible Signs |
|---|---|
| Hearing loss | Trouble hearing, muffled sounds |
| Ear drainage | Fluid or pus leaking from the ear |
| Mastoiditis | Swelling, redness, pain behind the ear |
| Eardrum rupture | Sudden pain relief with ear drainage |
Other rare complications are infection of the inner ear and meningitis, an infection around the brain. Most people recover without problems, but chronic or severe ear problems need medical care to avoid long-term damage.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most cases of ear pain are mild and go away on their own. However, some symptoms may signal a more serious problem. Know when to see a doctor. Seek medical care right away if you experience:
- Severe or worsening ear pain
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
- Blood, pus, or fluid coming from the ear
- High fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
- Sudden hearing loss
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the ear
- Pain that lasts more than a few days
If children or infants have ear pain, fever, or trouble eating, take them to a doctor quickly. If you notice an object stuck in the ear or see an injury, do not try to remove it yourself. Trying to remove it can make things worse. If ear pain keeps coming back, visit a healthcare provider. Frequent ear pain can point to long-term issues that need attention.
People with weak immune systems, diabetes, or recent ear surgery should not ignore ear pain. They face higher risks for complications and should see a doctor as soon as possible. Ignoring severe or ongoing symptoms can cause more serious problems, including hearing loss. Listen to your body and get help when you need it.
