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What Are the Causes of Ear Aches?

Earaches are common in children and adults alike and are either infections of the outer or middle ear. An infection of the outer ear is also known as swimmer's ear because it commonly occurs after swimming and is characterized by a skin infection of the outer ear or ear canal. An infection of the middle ear affects the eardrum and is common in children between the ages of 6 months to 2 years. There are several things that cause an earache and different ways to treat it.

  1. Earache Causes

    • The two most common causes of infection of the outer ear are trapped moisture and a minor wound to the ear canal. Moisture can develop when swimming, bathing or even when the weather is hot and humid. Minor wounds or scrapes are usually caused when cleaning the ears. The ear becomes painful when infection caused by bacteria forms due to the moisture or cut. Infection in the middle ear is caused by bacteria growing in the middle ear behind the eardrum.

    Earache Symptoms

    • The symptoms of an outer ear infection are a severe earache, inflammation of the ear and a thick discharge from the ear. The symptoms of a middle ear infection include an earache, hearing loss, ringing or buzzing sounds, a fever, occasional discharge from the ear, vomiting or diarrhea, irritability, and the inability to eat or sleep.

    Exams and Tests

    • By examining the ear, a doctor will be able to tell if the patient has an outer ear infection or a middle ear infection. Sometimes, a hearing test for a middle ear infection will be administered, especially if the patient is prone to ear infections. For outer ear infections, laboratory tests are administered to identify the bacteria causing the infection.

    Initial Treatment

    • Initial treatment of a middle ear infection is to relieve pain. A doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and sometimes a steroid to reduce swelling. Pain decongestant and pain medication may also help to relieve the pain for the first few days.

      Earaches can be treated at home by using pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Earaches may also be relieved by applying heat using a washcloth soaked in warm water or a heating pad. Ear drops may also be prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain. Additionally, adequate rest can help in relieving pain caused by an earache.

    Ongoing Treatment

    • If you have ear infections three or more times during a six-month period or four infections in a span of one year, treatment is necessary to prevent future infections. A doctor may prescribe a long-term oral antibiotic treatment. Sometimes there is no infection but fluid buildup is present so an ear, nose and throat specialist can remove the buildup using special equipment.

    Further Treatment

    • Surgery often is the last resort for people with repeat ear infections or who often have fluid behind the eardrum. Ear tubes may be inserted into the eardrums or adenoids to allow fluid to drain, or the tonsils are removed.

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