Earache is one of the most common health problems in both adults and children. Ear pain can begin suddenly, whether you are sleeping, eating or swallowing. It can make you uncomfortable anytime. Almost every day, many people search online, asking, “Why does my ear hurt so much suddenly?” or “How much time does it take to recover from an earache?”
In most cases, an earache resolves quickly without any medication. However, some symptoms can cause you infection, hearing problems or irritation inside the ear. This guide will help you to know the most common earache causes, remedies, treatment, and when you should contact your doctor for a checkup.
What Is Ear Pain (Earache)?
Ear pain is a feeling inside your ear. It is a sharp and burning pain inside one or both ears. Ear pain is also known as otalgia. The ear has mainly three sections- the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. An earache is one of the most common problems faced by children or adults. An earache can start in any of these areas or come from nearby structures such as the throat, jaw, or teeth.
The following are the common ways you can feel ear pain:
- Ear pain can be felt as dull, sharp, or burning in an ear.
- An earache can affect one or both ears.
- It is very common in children and adults.
Earache Symptoms
What are the common earache symptoms?
Earache symptoms can present differently for individuals. They might be mild or, in some cases, require immediate treatment.
The most common symptoms of an earache include: Pain in one or both ears. This pain can be mild, moderate, or sharp and stabbing.
- A feeling of pressure inside the ear while taking breath.
- Ear pain when eating and swallowing.
- Some buzzing ear inside the ear.
- Fluid is coming out of the ear.
Earache Symptoms in Babies and Children:
Children may not explain the pain clearly. Infants give signs to explain the pain, so parents should be attentive and watch carefully. The following are the signs to watch for:
- Rubbing the ear constantly.
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Constantly crying and holding their ear.
- Ear pain causes redness.
- Irritated behaviour.
Causes of Ear Pain
What are the main causes of ear pain?
There are many different causes of ear pain. Doctors have placed ear pain in two different categories.
- Primary ear pain originates in your ear.
- Secondary ear pain occurs when a condition unrelated to your ears causes ear pain. This happens because your ears share the same nerves as the nearby parts of your body, like your teeth, brain, etc.
Common causes of primary ear are :-
- Barotrauma (air or water pressure changes).
- Earwax buildup.
- Inner ear infections.
- Middle ear infections.
- Ruptured Eardrum.
Common causes of secondary ear are:-
- Cold
- Toothache
- Allergies
- Sore throat
- Tonsillitis
- GERD
Cause | Who Is Most Affected | Other Signs to Look Out For |
Middle ear infection | Children most commonly | Temperature, muffled hearing |
Swimmer’s ear (outer ear) | Swimmers / after water exposure | Itching, discharge, pain on touch |
Earwax blockage | Anyone | Fullness, slight hearing loss |
Sore throat / tonsillitis | Anyone — common in winter | Pain when swallowing, earache when swallowing |
TMJ jaw disorder | Adults | Jaw pain, clicking when chewing |
Air pressure change | Frequent flyers and divers | Popping sensation, blocked feeling |
Also read related article: Why Does My Ear Hurt (Ear Pain/Earache)?
How Is an Earache Treated?
What Your Audiologist May Recommend
Earache treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. The majority of the time, an earache improves naturally without any medications within a week or two. If the pain is severe, you should contact your doctor at the earliest without any delay, as it can lead to hearing loss or many other problems.
You can take some precautions for an earache.
- Do not listen to music at high volume.
- Do not use earbuds during an earache.
- Eat light food.
- Take rest
- Avoid taking medicines without consulting a doctor.
What Happens at a Doctor's Appointment-
Your doctor may ask you the following things:
- Dr. will ask you about symptoms of an earache.
- He will check for swelling and infection.
- Check your ear using an otoscope.
- Recommend treatment based on cause and symptoms.
When to See Your Doctor
When Does Ear Pain Require Medical Attention?
Sometimes an earache goes by their own. But if ear pain does not go away after 3-4 days, then you should see a doctor. You can see or call your doctor when:
- Pain lasts for more than 3-4 days.
- Ear pain becomes severe.
- Hearing problems
- Swelling appears on the ear.
When to Call a Doctor or Go to the Emergency
The following are symptoms that you should go to the emergency department:-
- Severe headache
- Hearing loss
- Rash with ear pain
- Facial weakness
Earache Prevention
How to Prevent Ear Pain
Ear care habits can lower the risk of earache and ear infections:
- Keep your ears dry after a bath.
- Avoid cotton buds for your ears.
- Chew gum during flights.
- Stay updated on your vacancies.
- See a doctor after a recurring earache.
Simple precautions can help you from not getting ear pain regularly.
Conclusion
An earache is a very common problem which is faced by several people. It is not a permanent problem; it can be prevented by taking several measures. Earaches normally go away naturally within 3 days. If your pain is severe, in that case you should consult a doctor. There are many reasons for ear pain, like throat problems, inner and middle ear infections, cold, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should see a doctor and take the medicines that he gives for pain relief. Use a cold towel to prevent heat.
Ear pain is the most common problem. There are several causes of your ear ache’s like Earwax buildup, inner ear infection, cold, etc.
Many people recover from an earache with a warm cloth, hydration, and pain relief medicines (after consulting the doctor).
Earache when swallowing is often caused by a sore throat, tonsils, or a tooth problem. The pain travels with the shared nerve between the throat and ear.
Yes, an earache can go away naturally without any medications or treatment, only if the pain is bearable and not severe. Ear pain can go away within 3 days.
Dr. Jay Jindal
Consultant Audiologist
Dr Jay Jindal, Consultant Audiologist, has 20+ years NHS and private experience.
