An infection in the ear often causes an earache. Pain from the infection can be felt inside and outside the ear, including the cartilage. Infections can affect the middle ear or outer ear canal. According to the Seattle Children's Hospital, ear infections usually peak from 6 months to 2 years of age and may accompany an upper respiratory infection. Pain in or around the ear in an adult may not be from an ear infection, but related to another medical condition.
Earache Symptoms
An earache is described as a burning, sharp or dull pain in one or more ears. The pain can be constant or temporary. The symptoms that may be experienced with an ear infection are fever, increased crying and fussiness in children and pain. There may be hearing loss that is minor and temporary. Permanent loss of hearing is rare.
Causes
In children, earaches are often caused when fluid builds up in the area of the middle ear. This causes pressure behind the eardrum. A cold produces more fluid to collect in the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasal passages. The Eustachian tube may become blocked and an infection may result. This is more common in young children whose Eustachian tubes are more horizontal and shorter. An allergy also may cause a buildup of fluids. Other causes of an earache may include sinus or dental infection, arthritis of the jaw or temporomandibular joint disorder -- TMJ. A sore throat can radiate pain to the ear area as well.
Care
To treat the pain of an earache, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. According to Medline Plus, aspirin should not be given to children. A wet, cold washcloth applied to the ear area for 20 minutes at a time may help reduce pain. Chewing on gum may also help relieve the pressure and pain of an ear infection. Make sure a child is old enough to chew gum, however. Talk to your doctor about prescription ear drops, which contain an analgesic that may help with earache pain.
When to Call a Doctor
Call a doctor if you have a high fever or severe pain, or if new symptoms occur such as severe headache, swelling around the ear, dizziness or weakness of the facial muscles. If severe earache pain stops suddenly, this may be a sign of a ruptured eardrum. Consult your doctor if the symptoms of an earache, such as pain, do not improve within one to two days or if symptoms get worse.
