Understanding And Managing Ear Pain | Advanced ENT & Allergy

Earaches, also known as ear pain or otalgia, are a common symptom among young children, though they can affect adults from time to time. While an earache is rarely cause for alarm, the sharp or dull pain can quickly ruin your day, disrupt your sleep, and lead to frustration or irritability. Let’s examine the different categories of ear pain, what may cause it and how you can treat it.

The Two Types of Ear Pain

Ear pain is separated into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary ear pain originates in the ears. For example, pain from an ear infection is primary. Secondary ear pain can originate anywhere in your body outside your ears. For example, pain in your teeth or sinuses may spread to your ears.

Common Causes Of Primary Ear Pain

A few common causes of primary ear pain include:

Ear infections. Ear infections arise when viruses or bacteria infect the space behind the eardrum, leading to fluid buildup and discomfort.
Swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, typically caused by bacteria or fungi. It is named swimmer’s ear because it often follows water exposure and retention in the ear.
Foreign objects. Small objects like toys or peas lodged in the ear canal can cause discomfort.
Eustachian tube dysfunction. Issues with the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat can cause pain and a feeling of fullness.
Airplane ear. Airplane ear, or ear barotrauma, occurs when your Eustachian tube cannot equalize pressure fast enough following an elevation change, a frequent experience during flight takeoff or landing.

Common Causes Of Secondary Ear Pain

A few common causes of secondary ear pain include:

Tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that can lead to referred pain in the ears.
Dental issues. Dental issues such as tooth infections or wisdom tooth removal can manifest as ear pain.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD causes pain in the joints, muscles and ligaments responsible for opening and closing the mouth. The pain can spread to the ears.

What Can You Do About Ear Pain?

To effectively treat ear pain, it’s crucial to consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. They can thoroughly examine your ear canal and discuss your symptoms to determine the best course of action. Depending on their findings, the treatment might involve waiting for an infection to clear, prescribing antibiotics, referring you to a dentist or exploring other appropriate options.

Contact Advanced ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.