Ear Aches in Adults

Ear aches are uncomfortable and at times painful. Your body is letting you know there is some type of problem that needs repair when you experience an ear ache. Many ear aches are a result of infection. However, you can also experience ear aches from wax blockage, changes in ear pressure and ringing in the ears. Your hearing is important and if you're in doubt as to the reason for the ear ache, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Otitis Media

• Otitis Media is an ear infection deep in the ear canal. This type of ear ache is known as a middle-ear infection and can be very painful. It is not linked with nasal congestion, fever or symptoms of colds or allergies. Tug slightly on the ear lobe. If you experience pain, you may have Otitis Media. This type of infection causes ear aches in adults and needs to be treated by your doctor.

Otitis Externa

• Otitis Externa is also known as Swimmer's Ear and is common in both adults and children. A common myth with Swimmer's Ear is that it occurs only in people who swim. Higher humidity levels during the summer months can also cause Otitis Externa infections. Bacteria and fungi grow in the ear canal to cause the infection. This is most often caused by moisture in the ear.
  You will experience ear aches, itching in the ear, redness on the outside of the ear, ear drainage and pain when you swallow or move your jaw. This type of infection should be treated by your healthcare provider since there is bacteria and fungi in the ear.

Wax Blockage

• Wax blockage can cause ear aches in adults. Fortunately, you can treat wax blockage at home with an over-the-counter ear wash. Your ear naturally produces small amounts of wax to block dirt, dust and water from entering the middle ear and damaging the ear drum. When too much wax forms, it cannot dry and flake off but builds up in the ear canal.

  Never use a swab to clean your ears. Fill a bulb with warm water or an over-the-counter ear wash cleaner. Tilt your head slightly to the opposite side. For example, to clean your left ear, tilt your head slightly to the right. Fill the ear with the wash. Allow the wash to sit for several minutes. Tilt your head to the opposite direction to allow the ear to completely drain.

  Symptoms of wax blockage include a dull ear ache, trouble hearing and feeling as though your ears are full. Ringing in the ears is often associated with wax blockage.

Ear Barotrauma

• The inner ear is connected to the mouth and jaw by a thin tube. There is a small pocket of air between the tube and the inner ear. The body is amazing and keeps a steady amount of pressure in this area to protect the inner ear and to enable you to hear well. Ear Barotrauma occurs when this pressure gets unbalanced, and the result is ear aches in adults. Landing in a plane, changing elevations in a car or scuba diving can cause ear barotraumas.

  Hold your nose. Swallow. Repeat several times. Chew gum for five minutes. If these don't relieve the symptoms and the ear ache, and the pressure inside the ears doesn't level out, it's important to see a doctor immediately because the ear drums can rupture.

Ringing in the Ears

• Ringing in the ears is also known as tinnitus. The ringing sound can cause ear aches in adults. Tinnitus can be a result of allergies, congestion or wax blockage. An underlying infection can also cause tinnitus in the ears. If you experience an ear ache or ringing in the ears for more than one day, consult a healthcare professional to check for the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.