Ear Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Ear Pain

Ear pain, also known as Otalgia, can be sharp, dull, or burning and may occur in one or both ears. It can be caused by infections, pressure changes, or foreign objects. The severity and frequency of the pain can vary. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Alleviate ear pain by using over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, applying a warm cloth to the affected ear, and avoiding potential irritants like loud noises.

Recommended Avoidances

Avoid ear issues by refraining from inserting foreign objects into your ears, minimizing exposure to loud noises, and avoiding swimming in polluted water.

Prevention Tips

Promote ear health by keeping ears clean and dry, protecting them in cold weather, managing allergies to prevent infections, and avoiding loud noises that can potentially damage the ears.

Condition 101

Ear pain, medically referred to as Otalgia, is a common condition that can manifest in various ways. It might involve a sharp, dull, or burning sensation either in one or both ears. Pain in the ear can occur due to numerous reasons, including infections, changes in pressure, or even an object lodged in the ear. It can vary from mild to severe and may come and go or be constantly present.

Sharp or dull pain
Burning sensation
Itchiness
Fullness or pressure
Drainage from the ear
Difficulty hearing
Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
Dizziness or loss of balance
Ear infection (Middle ear or Outer ear)
Earwax blockage
Changes in pressure (barotrauma)
Foreign object in the ear
Sinus infection
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Dental issues
Young age, particularly infants and toddlers
Exposure to tobacco smoke or high levels of air pollution
Seasonal allergies
Previous ear infections
Using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears
The pain is severe or sudden
You have a high fever
There is blood or pus draining from your ear
You experience hearing loss or ringing in the affected ear
You have dizziness, balance issues, or facial weakness

Diagnosis of ear pain usually involves a comprehensive examination by a healthcare provider. They may use an otoscope to examine the ear canal and eardrum for signs of infection, injury, or obstruction. In some cases, additional tests might include hearing tests, laboratory tests on ear discharge, or imaging tests like a CT or MRI.
Chronic ear infections
Hearing loss
Eardrum perforation
Mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone)
Facial paralysis
A common misconception is that all ear pain is due to an ear infection. While ear infections are a frequent cause, ear pain can also be caused by referred pain from other parts of the body, such as the throat or teeth.
Dental problems, such as a tooth infection or impacted wisdom tooth
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Throat infections, like pharyngitis
Sinusitis

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Ear Pain, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Topical eardrops containing lidocaine
Decongestant nasal sprays
Wax removal drops

Antibiotics for infections
Prescription pain relievers
Steroids to reduce inflammation
Ear drops for infections or wax removal

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