Ear Pain

Ear pain, known technically as otalgia, can be very uncomfortable. Symptoms may include hearing loss, headache, neck pain or sinus pressure. Below are some of the more likely causes and treatments for ear pain and ways to avoid ear pain.

Direct Causes

• Ear pain is caused by a number of different ailments. An infection of the middle ear, also called acute otitis media, is a common complaint in children and usually resolves within 48 hours. Swimmer's ear, also called acute otitis externa, is inflammation and infection in the outer ear canal, usually following trapped water in the canal. Barotrauma also causes ear pain; it occurs when the pressures inside and outside of the ear drum are different enough to cause a tear in the drum itself. Scuba diving and flying are causes of barotrauma. Ear pain can also be caused by a foreign object lodged inside the ear, such as a pea or small insect. This cause is also popular with children, who may place objects in their ear out of curiosity.

Treatments

• Acute otitis media may be treated with antibiotics or antifungals. Acute otitis externa may be treated by cleaning out the ear canal, followed by antibacterial drops in the ear or oral antibiotics. Severe cases of barotrauma may require surgery. Cases of lesser severity may be resolved with nasal decongestants and/or antihistamines. When ear pain is being caused by a foreign body lodged inside the ear, the doctor may perform a careful removal procedure.

Indirect Causes

• Some causes of ear pain do not come from the ear; the pain is referred from elsewhere. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, characterized by pain where your jaw meets your skull, also causes ear pain. If TMJ disorder is the cause of your ear pain, possible treatments include the application of heat, diet recommendations and pain relievers. Dental problems can also cause ear pain. In this case, you should see your dentist. A sore throat can cause swelling in the eustachian tube, the tube that connects your ears and your throat, and thereby cause ear pain. Treatment for this ear pain would address the sore throat.

Prevention

• A couple simple steps can help steer clear of ear pain. The first is to avoid loud noises that may damage the ear. Construction workers or individuals unable to avoid loud noises should use adequate protection for their ears. Second, do not place objects in your ears. This includes cotton swabs. Children have a higher incidence of ear infections, and thus ear pain. A couple steps to avoid ear pain in children include: avoid second-hand smoke, use a pacifier as little as possible, keep vaccinations up to date and ensure he is washing his hands frequently.

See Your Doctor

• If persistent, do not attempt to self-diagnose your or your child's ear pain. See your family doctor, or better yet, an ear, nose and throat doctor.