Earaches can occur due to a variety of factors with an array of symptoms and severity. Ear pain and earaches are a fairly common ailment, and can affect everyone from young children to seniors. The effects can range considerably, causing anything from a sharp, acute pain to a slow, dull ache. If pain and discomfort persist, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a hearing professional.
What is Otalgia?
Otalgia is the medical term for ear pain or earache. There are two main types of otalgia, primary and referred. Primary otalgia applies to pain that originates within the ear, pain that develops from outside the ear is called referred otalgia.
Common Causes of Earaches
Whether ear pain originates from within or outside the ear, there are several common factors that are generally responsible for earaches.
- Ear infection
- Sinus infection, colds, allergies
- Earwax accumulation
- Glue ear/Adhesive Otitis
- Swimmer’s ear/External Otitis
- Dental issues
- Changes in weather or altitude
- Impact to the inner ear or ruptured eardrum
Ear Infections
Earaches caused by ear infections are often seen in children, but can affect people of any age. Pain and discomfort is typically caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrum, exerting pressure on it. Chronic ear infections are generally treated with prescribed antibiotics, and sometimes surgery is required when medications are ineffective.
Sinus Infection, Colds, Allergies
Ear pain caused by sinus issues, colds, and allergies is quite similar to that resulting from ear infections. Pressure builds up inside the ear due to fluid accumulation which can cause the outer ear to itch and swell.
Earwax Accumulation
Earwax can build up and harden inside the ear, causing blockages leading to pain and discomfort. You can try loosening up the hardened wax with warm water, or by using baby or olive oil. Gently apply warm water using a rubber bulb syringe and then tilt your head to allow the contents of the ear to drain out.
Glue Ear/Adhesive Otitis
Glue ear, also known as adhesive otitis, is characterized by the middle ear filling with a sticky glue-like substance instead of air. This results in dulled hearing and a deadening effect on the vibrations of the eardrum.
Swimmer’s Ear/External Otitis
Otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, is a similar condition to adhesive otitis, except it affects the outer ear. It typically occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. It often results in irritation and inflammation and may also become infected.
Dental Issues
Problems like an infected tooth or perpetual grinding of teeth can also result in earaches. A tooth can become infected if bacteria gets inside the hollow area inside the tooth that contains the dental pulp, or dentin. Especially if a molar becomes infected, the pain can extend to the ears.
Changes in Weather or Altitude
Many people experience chronic headaches and earaches in the spring with the changes in barometric pressure. Changes in barometric pressure can affect the fluid in the inner ear causing an imbalance resulting in a popping sensation or the ears feeling full. Shifts in altitude can also cause earaches and is sometimes known as ear barotrauma. This is due to varying pressure inside and outside of the eardrum and is often experienced when mountain climbing, flying in an airplane, or scuba diving.
Impact to the Inner Ear or Ruptured Eardrum
When inserting a cotton into your ear to clean, there is a risk of not only pushing the earwax further in, but also causing damage to the inner ear. Using cotton swabs can impact the eardrum and can even rupture or puncture the eardrum resulting in hearing loss.
How to Alleviate Ear Pain
There are several safe and effective ways to treat earaches and ear pain. Options include:
- Apply a warm or cold compress
- An effective method may be to alternate between the two every 10-15 minutes to achieve relief
- Ear drops
- Over the counter ear drops or a hydrogen-peroxide/water solution is recommended
- Warm olive or baby oil
- Can be used as an alternative to ear drops
- Rubbing alcohol or apple cider vinegar can be applied to outer earaches
- Chewing gum or sucking on candy
- Exercising the jaw can help relieve pressure
- Consult a hearing professional
- If pain persists it is recommended to speak with an expert
