Earaches: Causes, Relief, and When to Seek Help

A common condition marked by pain in the ear, often caused by infection or pressure changes, leading to discomfort and hearing issues.

Earaches FAQ

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What causes earaches & ear pain?

Ear infections are a common cause of earaches or ear pain. Ear infections can occur in the outer, middle, and inner ear. Outer ear infection can be caused by swimming, wearing hearing aids or headphones that damage the skin inside the ear canal, or putting cotton swabs or fingers in the ear canal.

What does Earache look like?

Earache can be sharp, dull or burning ear pain that comes and goes or is constant. Earache is a common problem and although it can be worrying it will often get better in a few days without treatment.

Can an Earache affect one ear?

An earache may affect one or both of your ears. But most of the time, it’s in one ear. It may be constant or come and go, and the pain may be dull, sharp, or burning. If you have an ear infection, you may also get a fever, and temporary hearing loss may occur. Young children who have ear infections tend to be fussy and irritable.

Is Earache a health issue?

Earache (ear pain) is among the most common hearing health issues. It can occur in both ears or just one, manifesting as anything from a dull ache to sharp sensations that affect your quality of life. Children are often more at risk of getting earaches, but earache in adults is not uncommon either.

Is Earache a sign of a serious ear infection?

Earache and ear pain is common, particularly in young children. It can be painful, but is not usually a sign of anything serious. It depends on what's causing it. Most earaches in children are caused by an ear infection, which usually start to improve after a few days. Earache and ear pain can affect 1 or both ears.

What does an Earache feel like?

An earache can feel as if you have pressure in your ear. Some earaches start suddenly but they can get worse over time. An ear infection typically happens after you have an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include fever and feeling run down or unwell. Ear infections are more common in children than adults.