Earaches are a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Ear infection: The most common cause of earache is an ear infection, which can be caused by bacteria or a virus. Ear infections can occur in the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear (otitis externa).
- Sinus infection: Sinus infections can cause pressure and pain in the ear, especially when lying down.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the ear and lead to earache.
- Tooth problems: Tooth problems, such as an abscess or cavities, can cause referred pain in the ear.
- Foreign object in the ear: A foreign object, such as a bead or a cotton swab, can become lodged in the ear canal and cause pain.
- Swimmer’s ear: Swimmer’s ear is an infection that occurs in the outer ear canal and is caused by water that becomes trapped in the ear after swimming.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and help to equalize pressure in the middle ear. If the tubes become blocked or don’t function properly, pressure can build up in the middle ear and cause pain.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joint and can cause referred pain in the ear.
- Damage to the ear: Earache can sometimes result from injury to the inside of the ear. For example, by scraping earwax from the ear canal using a cotton bud, or poking a cotton bud too far into your ear, which can puncture the eardrum. The ear canal is very sensitive and can easily become damaged. The ear should heal on its own without treatment, but it can take up to two months for a perforated eardrum to heal. If you have a perforated eardrum, eardrops shouldn’t be used.
- Glue ear: Glue ear (also known as otitis media with effusion, or OME) is a build-up of fluid deep inside the ear, which commonly causes some temporary hearing loss. The condition tends to be painless, but sometimes the pressure of this fluid can cause earache. Glue ear will often clear up on its own, although this can take a few months. If the problem is particularly persistent, a minor procedure to place small tubes called grommets in the ear may be recommended to help drain the fluid.
- A problem with your jaw: Earache is occasionally caused by a problem with the joint of your jaw bone (where the jaw meets the skull). This is known as temporomandibular joint pain and can be caused by problems such as arthritis or teeth grinding. Jaw pain can often be treated with painkillers, warm or cold compresses, and trying not to clench your jaw and grind your teeth.
- Altitude pressure changes (barotrauma)
If you’re experiencing ear pain, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your earache and recommend appropriate treatment.