Earache
What is an earache?
An earache is when you experience pain in one or both ears. The type of pain can vary but it may be described as dull, sharp or burning. The most common cause of earache is an infection. Earaches are fairly common complaints, particularly in children, with around 80% of them likely to experience a middle ear infection at least once.
The ear
Ears are made up of three sections:
Outer ear — the part you can see and the canal that leads to the eardrum
Middle ear — the middle ear is separated from the outer ear by the eardrum and contains tiny bones that amplify sound
Inner ear — this is where sounds are translated into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain
Any of these three areas of the ear may be the source of an earache.
Earache symptoms
Symptoms of an earache can depend upon the cause, but they may include:
pain in the ear
headache
fever
impaired hearing
buzzing or humming in the ear
sense of fullness in the ear
discharge from the ear
itchy outer ear
loss of appetite
loss of balance
babies or toddlers who can’t explain their symptoms may pull or rub on their ear and cry more frequently
What causes earache?
Earache can be caused by several factors. However, the most common is an ear infection such as a middle ear infection or external ear infection. Ear infections can be caused by:
upper respiratory tract infections
sudden changes in air pressure
smaller than average or blocked Eustachian tubes
cleft palate
swimming in polluted water
not drying the outer ears properly after swimming or showering
scratching delicate ear tissues when cleaning your ears
Other causes of earache include:
allergies
a build-up of wax
changes in air pressure (e.g. when you take off and land in a plane)
objects stuck in the ear
a burst eardrum, caused either by an infection or something being pushed too far into the ear
an injury to the ear
loud noises
problems with your jaw or teeth
How is an earache treated?
Sometimes earaches go away by themselves and don’t require treatment. Things you can try to relieve the pain include:
taking over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers like paracetamol
applying a cold washcloth to the ear, but avoid getting the ear wet
chewing gum or feeding an infant to relieve pressure in the ear
Always speak to your Pharmacist to find the most suitable product for you. If your earache is a result of an ear infection, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics.
Complications of an earache
Potential complications of an earache, particularly one caused by infection may include:
dizziness
impaired hearing loss
speech or developmental delays if hearing in infants or toddlers occurs
tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
infection spreading to nearby tissues
burst or torn eardrum
surgery to repair a torn eardrum that doesn’t heal by itself
When should you see your doctor?
You should visit your doctor if:
the earache doesn’t go away or the pain gets worse
you feel generally unwell
you have a fever
there is discharge from your ears
it is a child under 2 who has the earache
there is something stuck in the ear that needs to be removed
you are worried and unsure what to do
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. Speak to your MediADVICE Pharmacist about your earache symptoms so we can recommend products and medications that may be suitable for you, or refer you to a doctor if necessary.
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