5 Common Causes Of Ear Pain:
1. Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Middle ear infection or otitis media is a common reason
for ear pain, in children and adults. Usually, it is secondary to common cold, sinus issues, or throat infection.
Symptoms of middle ear infection
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Fever
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Discharge or fluid coming from the ear
When we (ENT Specialists) examine the ear, findings could be pus, inflammation, or a hole in the eardrum.
Treatment of middle ear infection
Thorough cleaning of the ear by an ENT specialist followed by antibiotic ear drops and oral antibiotics. You can read more about the
treatment of ear infection here.
In some cases of chronic ear infection, surgery may be necessary. You may want to know more about
tympanoplasty surgery.
2. Earwax Buildup (Cerumen Impaction)
Earwax is another common cause of ear pain. It is our natural secretion that forms a protective layer for the ear canal. In some people, wax accumulates and over time becomes hard.
Symptoms of wax build-up include
- Pain in the ear or fullness
- Itching or tickling sensations in the ear
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Discharge or odor from the ear
An ENT doctor can show you the accumulated wax using a video otoscope during ear examination.
Treatment of ear wax:
Earwax removal through syringing, suction, or manual removal by earwax removal instruments (Vectis).
If it is hard, wax-dissolving ear drops may be prescribed to soften the wax before removal.
A word of caution here: please get the wax cleaned by an ENT specialist near you. Do not try it at home or go to roadside quacks. You may push it further inside or damage the ear.
I have seen many patients who come with ear infection or damage to the ear canal or eardrum
as a result of self-cleaning attempts.
3. Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. If you’re an avid swimmer or surfer, you might be more prone to this condition. Using earbuds, fingernails to rub the ear, or instilling oil into the ear are other common causes.
Read about reasons of itching in the ear in the next post.
Most of my patients ask, “How should I clean the ear?” The truth is—it’s usually not required. Read about
Why not to clean the ear?
Symptoms
– Ear pain or discomfort
– Itching or tickling sensations
– Discharge or odor from the ear
– Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Treatment of Otitis Externa
Antibiotic ear drops or antibiotic- soaked ear wicks in the ear canal. Analgesic may be prescribed.
4. TMJ Disorders (Jaw Joint Disorders)
TMJ disorders can cause mysterious earache, jaw joint pain, and even headaches.
Symptoms
- Ear pain or tenderness
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Headaches or migraines
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
Treatment:
Jaw exercises, pain relief medications, or dental appliances.
5. Eustachian Tube Blockage Due to Cold/Sinus Infection
Eustachian tube blockage due to cold and sinus infection can cause ear pain, ear blockage, hearing loss, and autophony (hearing your own voice).
Treatment
Ear pain due to a cold usually gets better with nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and pain medicines.
Pain is the body’s whisper — a soft plea to slow down, listen, and heal.”
Home Remedies to Get Rid of the Pain in the Ear
- You can apply a cold pack or warm compress to the ear to reduce pain.
- Some safe over-the-counter pain medicines can help ease the ear pain.
- Do not use earbuds/Q-tips to clean the ear.
- Avoid putting oil, water, or any other substance in the ear.
When to Visit an ENT Specialist?
Mostly, the
diagnosis of earache is straightforward. However, persistent or recurrent ear pain requires thorough examination by an ENT doctor near you to get proper treatment of your earache based on the cause and a proper diagnosis of the issue behind your ear pain.
If you’re in or around Vashi, Navi Mumbai, feel free to visit our ENT clinic for expert care.
Stay tuned for the next post on “how to diagnose the cause of ear pain”
Read my previous post about
“How to care for Ear and hearing”?
