What is an earache?
An earache is pain or discomfort in one or both ears, which may feel dull, sharp or burning. It’s most often linked to an infection.1 Earaches are very common, especially in children, with about 80 % experiencing at least one middle ear infection by the time they start school.2
Ear structure
The ear consists of three main parts: 1. Outer ear, the visible portion plus the canal leading to the eardrum 2. Middle ear, separated from the outer ear by the eardrum and containing tiny bones that amplify sound 3. Inner ear, converts sound waves into electrical signals that travel to the brain
Any of these sections can be the source of an earache.
Earache symptoms
Depending on the underlying cause, symptoms may include:3,4
- Pain or throbbing in the ear
- Headache
- Fever
- Temporary hearing loss
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Sensation of fullness in the ear
- Discharge from the ear canal
- Itching of the outer ear
- Decreased appetite
- Balance difficulties
- In infants or toddlers, increased crying or ear‐tugging
Common causes
While a range of factors can trigger ear pain, the primary culprits are ear infections, either in the middle ear (otitis media) or outer ear (otitis externa). These can arise from:5
- Upper respiratory infections
- Sudden changes in air pressure
- Narrow or blocked Eustachian tubes
- Cleft palate
- Swimming in polluted water
- Inadequate drying of the ear after water exposure
- Injury from ear cleaning
Other triggers
Less frequently, earaches may result from:6
- Allergic reactions
- Earwax buildup
- Air pressure shifts (e.g. during flights)
- Foreign objects lodged in the ear
- A perforated eardrum from infection or trauma
- Direct injury to the ear
- Exposure to loud noises
- Jaw or dental issues
Managing an earache
Many earaches resolve on their own. To ease pain, you might try:7
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol
- A cold compress applied beside the ear (keeping the ear dry)
- Chewing gum or feeding infants to help equalize ear pressure
Always consult your Pharmacist for the most suitable product. If a bacterial infection is present, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Possible complications
If left untreated, particularly when caused by infection, an earache can lead to:8
- Dizziness
- Temporary or permanent hearing loss
- Speech or developmental delays in young children
- Persistent tinnitus
- Spread of infection to nearby tissues
- Rupture of the eardrum
- Surgical repair of a non-healing eardrum tear
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if:
- The earache persists or worsens
- You develop a fever or feel generally unwell
- There is any ear discharge
- A child under two years old is affected
- A foreign object is stuck in the ear
- You’re uncertain about what to do