Ear problems can cause a host of symptoms, including pain, hearing loss, dizziness and fever. Severe ear pain should always be checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Mild to moderate discomfort may respond well to home remedies in some cases, but medical treatment may be warranted in others.
Ear Infections
Ear infections often affect children, and rarely, adults. Symptoms include pain in the ear, a fever, a feeling that something is blocking the ear, and temporary dizziness or hearing loss. Ear infections often develop after a cold. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are effective to reduce pain in children and in adults. In many cases, symptomatic relief is all that is necessary, as ear infections often clear up on their own within 3 days. For babies, and for children and adults whose ear infections do not clear up, a doctor will often prescribe an antibiotic to cure the infection. Some children have recurring ear infections, and may need to have tubes placed in the ear to keep the excess fluid in the ear draining to prevent infections.
Earwax Blockage
The ear naturally creates earwax, but sometimes too much is produced and a blockage occurs. Symptoms of an earwax blockage include fullness in the ear, decreased hearing and an earache. Never insert cotton swabs or anything else into the ear to try to remove the wax, as you may push it in further or damage your eardrum. You can treat excess earwax at home by using a drop or two of mineral oil in the ear canal twice daily to soften it. Use a rubber bulb syringe to gently flush the ear with warm water, and the wax should come out. If it does not, see your doctor, who can use a special instrument to remove the wax from your ear canal.
Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms of swimmer's ear are a swollen, painful, and itchy outer ear and earlobe. Apply dry heat to the ear to relieve the pain, and see your doctor for treatment. Depending on the type of infection you have, the doctor will clean the affected area and prescribe antibiotics, antifungal drops, or steroids to cure the infection. While treating your ear, be sure to keep the area dry and protected. Use cotton balls in the outer part of the ear to avoid getting water, shampoo and other irritants in the ear.
Other Ear Problems
Another problem that can cause ear discomfort is inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. Treat this by massaging the area, applying moist heat, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. See your doctor if your pain is severe or does not clear up within 2 weeks.
Pain in the ear that accompanies a cold or flu may be caused by a blocked eustachian tube. A decongestant can encourage the tube to clear, and over-the-counter pain medications and warm compresses can make the ear less painful. If your pain persists or gets worse, see your doctor for treatment.
Ear pain can also be caused by tooth pain. If you think you may have a dental cavity or tooth decay, see your dentist for treatment.
