Ear pain, also known as an earache, is a common condition that can affect both children and adults. It can be caused by various factors related to the ear or structures near the ear. The pain may vary in intensity and sensation, such as dull, sharp, or burning, and it can occur in one or both ears. The pain can be continuous or intermittent.
Symptoms of Earaches:
Infants and toddlers may exhibit the following symptoms:
Hearing problems
Pulling or scratching the ear
Crying or irritability
Ear drainage
Fever
Young children, adolescents, and adults may experience:
Pain
Hearing problems
Feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear
Dizziness or loss of balance
Nausea and vomiting
Ear drainage
Fever
Causes:
Earaches can be caused by several factors in children and adults, including:
Middle ear infection (acute otitis media)
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction or jaw joint pain
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Inflammation of the outer ear (chondritis)
Improper use of cotton swabs
Throat infection
Throat cancer (rare)
Causes of Earaches in Children:
In children, the most common cause of earaches is middle ear infection (acute otitis media), which can affect one or both ears. Prompt and effective treatment is important to prevent the spread of infection to nearby structures and to minimize the risk of hearing loss, learning difficulties, and speech delays. While many cases can be treated by a pediatrician or family doctor, more severe cases may require attention from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or otolaryngologist.
Eustachian tube dysfunction is often responsible for ear infections in children. When the eustachian tube becomes blocked due to factors like cold, allergy, upper respiratory infection, bacteria, or viruses, negative pressure can build up, leading to pain, swelling, and redness.
Causes of Earaches in Adults:
Common causes of earaches in adults include:
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) or infection of the ear canal
TMJ dysfunction, which can cause referred pain to the ear
Improper use of cotton swabs
Referred pain from throat infection or cancer
Prompt treatment is crucial for swimmer’s ear, especially in individuals with diabetes, as the infection can spread and become life-threatening. Treatment may involve antibiotic ear drops and specialized cleaning by an ENT specialist. TMJ pain can be managed with measures like ibuprofen, soft food consumption, avoidance of chewing gum, and use of a night guard.
Avoiding the use of cotton swabs or any other instruments for earwax cleaning is important to prevent damage to the ear canal. Remember, “nothing smaller than an elbow goes in the ear.” Referred pain from throat infections or cancer can also cause earache, although it is rare.
Treatment:
When you visit an ENT specialist for an earache, they will examine your ear using an otoscope. This allows them to check for signs of infection, such as redness or fluid behind the eardrum, and to assess the movement of the eardrum. Additional tests like an audiogram (to assess hearing) or a tympanogram (to evaluate eustachian tube function) may be performed if necessary.
Medications may be prescribed by the ENT specialist, including antibiotics to combat the infection and reduce pain. Antihistamines and decongestants may also be prescribed for allergies or colds. Pain and fever-reducing medications might be recommended