Ear Pain
Ear pain (otalgia) is discomfort or pain in or around the ear. It may result from ear infections, wax buildup, injury, pressure changes, or referred pain from the throat, jaw, or teeth.
🚨 Seek Immediate Medical Care
Get urgent medical help if ear pain:
- Occurs with high fever or severe headache.
- Is accompanied by blood or pus from the ear.
- Causes sudden hearing loss.
- Occurs after a head injury.
- Is associated with facial weakness or severe dizziness.
📞 Consult a Doctor
Arrange medical evaluation if:
- Pain lasts longer than 48–72 hours.
- Hearing becomes reduced.
- Symptoms frequently recur.
- Pain spreads to the jaw, throat, or neck.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Throbbing ear pain | Middle ear infection |
| Pain when touching the ear | Outer ear infection |
| Blocked sensation | Earwax buildup |
| Ear pain during flights | Pressure changes (barotrauma) |
| Pain with jaw movement | Temporomandibular joint disorder |
Causes by Category
Otitis media: Infection behind the eardrum.
Otitis externa: Infection of the ear canal.
Earwax impaction: Blockage causing discomfort.
Dental disease: Tooth infections may radiate to the ear.
Throat infections: Tonsillitis and pharyngitis can cause ear pain.
Jaw disorders: TMJ problems frequently cause otalgia.
Barotrauma: Pressure changes during flying or diving.
Foreign bodies: Objects lodged in the ear canal.
Ear injuries: Trauma to the ear or head.
Diagnostic Procedures
Otoscopy
Examines the ear canal and eardrum.
Audiometry
Measures hearing ability and hearing loss.
Tympanometry
Assesses middle ear pressure and function.
Dental Examination
Identifies tooth or jaw disorders causing referred pain.
