Ear pain is a common complaint, often associated with children but not exclusive to them. Adults can experience it too, and there are various reasons why that annoying discomfort might creep into your ears. In this guide, we’ll delve into the common causes of ear pain (ear hurt) and what you can do to find relief.
Common Causes of Ear Pain
Air Pressure: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Have you ever been on a plane or in an elevator and felt that weird sensation in your ears, maybe even a little popping sound? You can blame this on air pressure. Normally, your ears do a fantastic job of balancing pressure on both sides of your eardrums. However, things don’t always go as planned, and this is where the pesky Eustachian tube dysfunction comes in.
The imbalances that occasionally occur can be downright distracting and uncomfortable. Your ear might hurt, and your hearing could take a hit. Sometimes, a simple swallow will do the trick, but other times, it might take a bit more to solve the problem. What’s interesting is that this can happen even without an observable cause.
Read More: Understanding and Treating Eye Pain
If You’re on a Plane:
- Take a deep breath, pinch your nostrils shut, and gently try to blow air out of your nose.
- Keep your jaws busy – chew gum, suck on hard candy, or yawn during takeoff and landing.
- Avoid flying when you have a cold, sinusitis, or allergies.
- Stay awake as the plane descends.
Earwax: The Wax Dilemma
Earwax buildup can turn from a mere inconvenience to a real pain. When earwax hardens, it causes discomfort, a condition known as impacted wax. Please, whatever you do, don’t use cotton swabs to clean your ears; they’ll just push the wax further down. Over-the-counter ear drops can soften mildly impacted wax so it drains naturally. However, if the problem is more stubborn, it’s best to consult your doctor to ensure you get relief without risking your hearing.
Read More: What is Sinusitis? An Overview of Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments
Middle Ear Infection: Otitis Media
A middle ear infection, or otitis media, occurs when fluids build up and become infected as a result of your immune system’s response to a cold, allergies, or sinus infections.
Since the cause is your immune system, your doctor will likely prescribe antihistamines and nasal steroids, along with antibiotics if necessary. This is a condition to take seriously, as it can escalate and even lead to hearing loss if left untreated.
Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is a relatively easy one to self-diagnose. If your ear hurts when you pull on your earlobe or push on that tiny flap that covers it, chances are it’s an outer ear infection.
It typically happens when water trapped in your ear canal breeds germs, leading to redness, swelling, itching, pus discharge, and, of course, pain. The prescription usually involves antibiotic ear drops to clear up the infection.
Other Causes: Referred Pain
Your ear is intricately connected to your eyes, nose, mouth, and throat, making it susceptible to referred pain. In other words, issues in nearby areas can indirectly affect your ears. Nerves in your face and neck pass close to the inner ear, which is why a toothache from abscesses, cavities, or impacted molars can transfer pain to your ears through this network.
Your doctor will often explore other potential sources of ear pain when it can’t be directly traced to the ear itself. For instance, ear pain along with a sore throat might be a sign of tonsillitis or pharyngitis, which must be treated before the ear pain can be completely resolved.
While home remedies are a reasonable first step for managing ear pain, if your symptoms persist beyond a few days, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice. A visit to your doctor will ensure more effective treatment and accurate diagnoses, helping to rule out more serious underlying causes. Your ears deserve the best care, so don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing prolonged ear pain.
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Holts Healthcare Pain & Wellness is a multi-specialty clinic based in Fayetteville, GA. Our services include Primary Care, Wellness, and Pain Management. Book your appointment with us today!
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