Ear pain can be due to a wound associated with the outside of the ear or pain radiating from inside the ear. Ear aching is also referred to as otalgia. Ear pain generally comes from some type of infection or other conditions that may affect the nerves located in nearby areas, called referred pain. Such a condition may be the result of upper digestive and throat problems, dental problems, disorders of the jaw, and ear trauma. An ear slap or a loud sound, and ear picking can also cause ear pain. Persistent ear pain symptoms need prompt professional medical advice.
Impacted Ear Wax
Cerumen, another name for ear wax, exists in the ears in order to prevent infection. It is the result of secretions from the glands mixing with skin cells of the outer ear canal. Sometimes the ear wax clogs the canal and blocks the opening thus becoming impacted. According to Essortment.com, roughly 2 to 6 percent of Americans have a problem with ear wax. What usually causes the blockage is when someone uses an applicator such as a cotton swab to clean the ear, but forces the wax back to the point of clogging the outer ear canal. Those impacted often complain about hearing loss, ear pain, and ringing in the ear.
Ear Infections
An ear infection is a general term for several types of infections of the ears. An ear infection of the outer ear canal is called otitis externa or swimmer's ear. The thin layer of skin which lines the canal is the part of the ear in which swimmers are infected. Otitis media is another name for an infection located at the middle of the ear. Labyrinthitis is an infection characterized by inflammation of the inner ear. The ears need to be dry in order for its protective mechanisms to work properly. Excessive moisture causes ear canals to be susceptible to infection. An ear infection commonly results from a bacterial or viral invasion of the ear which can result in ear pain.
Cholesteatoma
Although cholesteotoma can occur at birth, it's usually the result of complications of persistent ear infection. It causes negative pressure in the middle of the ear as the function of the eustachian tube declines. In this condition, a part of the eardrum is pulled in the wrong direction, producing a cyst which consists of dead skin cells and other unused material. The cyst becomes infected, causing ear pain or numbness, dizziness, drainage, and loss of hearing. According to The New York Times Health Guide, Cholesteatomas typically continues to grow if not removed. Surgery is required in order to remove the cyst.
