Quick Relief for Ear Pain with These Expert Tips for Kids and Adults

Sudden ear pain can be disruptive and uncomfortable, affecting people of all ages. Whether it's a sharp pain, dull ache, or feeling of pressure, understanding the cause is the first step toward finding relief.

The causes of ear pain range from simple issues like earwax buildup or pressure changes to more serious infections or injuries.

Understanding why your ears hurt and exploring possible remedies may help you feel more comfortable. However, consulting a doctor is essential for accurate diagnosis and managing persistent or severe pain.

In this guide, we’ll explore commonly recommended home remedies, medical treatments, symptoms that may mean it’s time to see a doctor and long-term strategies for keeping ear pain at bay.

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Understanding the Causes of Ear Pain

To know how to address ear pain, it’s important to first understand what could cause ear pain.

Defining Ear Pain

Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, can originate from the ear itself (primary otalgia) or from other areas of the body (secondary otalgia).

Primary Otalgia

Primary otalgia refers to ear pain that starts within the ear, often linked to issues like ear infections, earwax buildup, or changes in air pressure. Rarely, it may result from conditions like mastoiditis, inflammatory issues, or, in very rare cases, tumors.

Primary otalgia is more common in children and can often be diagnosed by looking inside the ear, where signs of the problem are usually visible.

Secondary Otalgia

Secondary otalgia is ear pain that comes from somewhere else in the body, other than inside the ear. This happens because the ear shares nerve connections with other parts of the head, neck, and even chest.

Pain from issues like jaw problems (temporomandibular joint syndrome, or TMJ), dental infections, sinus infections, pressure, or throat infections can all be felt in the ear.

Rare causes of secondary ear pain can include irritated nerves (like trigeminal neuralgia or glossopharyngeal neuralgia), acid reflux (GERD), neck problems like arthritis, and more serious issues such as tumors, thyroid problems, or conditions like temporal arteritis, which is inflammation of the temporal artery.

Secondary otalgia is more common in adults and can be harder to figure out because the pain isn’t coming directly from the ear.

Persistent ear pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions like tumors or mastoiditis, but these are uncommon.

Common Causes of Ear Pain

Ear pain can happen for a variety of reasons. The ear is a sensitive and complex organ that plays a role in hearing and balance.

Pain may stem from issues within the ear or external factors. Identifying the potential cause is important for addressing the discomfort, and knowing whether it’s time to see a doctor for ear pain.

As we discussed in the last section, there are many possible causes of ear pain, some of which are more rare than others. Common causes of ear pain include:

Infections

Otitis Media: otitis media is a middle ear infection common in children; it can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include earache, fever, and fluid drainage.

Otitis Externa: this is also known as “swimmer’s ear.” Trapped moisture, such as after swimming, can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, leading to infections like swimmer's ear.

Pressure Changes

Airplane ear or altitude shifts (like diving or mountain climbing) can cause a buildup of pressure in the Eustachian tubes.

Changes in air pressure, like when flying on a plane or diving underwater, can cause ear pain if the Eustachian tube doesn’t open properly to balance the pressure in the middle ear. This makes your ears feel full, blocked, or painful.

Repeated attempts to pop your ears may cause irritation; consult a doctor if pressure or pain persists.

Earwax Buildup

Excess earwax can block the ear canal, causing discomfort or temporary hearing loss.

Foreign Objects

Similarly to earwax buildup, small objects or bugs in the ear (especially in children) can irritate the ear canal and cause pain.

Allergies and Sinus Pressure

Allergies or upper respiratory illness can block the Eustachian tubes, causing fluid buildup and pressure.

Environmental Factors

Moisture is a cause of otitis externa, which causes ear pain. Extreme cold resulting in frostbite can cause ear pain.

Loud noise can also be a cause of ear pain, especially in those with sensitive hearing.

Types of Ear Pain

Depending on the cause, the type of pain a person feels can be very different.

It’s important to know that the degree of pain present is not necessarily indicative of the severity of the condition; for example, some tumors may present with mild, dull pain, while pain from dental infections or otitis media can be severe.

Sharp, stabbing pain: this type of pain is often linked to infections or injury. For example, when children get ear infections, they often scream and cry inconsolably and pull at their ears to try to alleviate this pain.

Dull, achy pain: common causes of dull, achy ear pain include Eustachian tube dysfunction (trouble with pressure in the ear) and sinusitis (sinus congestion or pressure).

Problems like jaw joint issues (TMJ dysfunction), dental problems (like cavities or infections), muscle pain in the neck or jaw, and arthritis in the neck can cause pain that spreads to the ear because of shared nerve connections.

Persistent dull, achy pain often requires further assessment to determine the cause.

Radiating pain: pain spreading to the jaw or neck may indicate dental issues, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, nerve irritation like trigeminal neuralgia, or problems coming from the neck.

While these descriptions can guide understanding, accurate diagnosis requires evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Symptoms to Watch

While ear pain due to certain causes can improve with home remedies, watch for the following red flags that require medical attention:

Persistent or Worsening Pain

This may signal a more serious issue, such as an infection, that requires evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Mastoiditis, infection of the mastoid bone of the skull, and malignant otitis externa, which are seen in diabetic or immune-compromised patients, are important causes of this pain.

High Fever

High fever may indicate a systemic infection that warrants prompt medical attention.

Fluid Drainage From The Ear (Yellow, Bloody, or Foul-Smelling)

Fluid draining from the ear (otorrhea) can signal infections like swimmer's ear or middle ear infections.

Foul-smelling drainage, especially in people with weak immune systems, may indicate malignant otitis externa, which needs urgent care.

Sudden Hearing Loss

This could indicate nerve damage, a blocked ear canal, ear trauma, or a severe infection needing prompt treatment.

For example, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, caused by the herpes zoster virus, can lead to hearing loss, facial paralysis, and painful blisters (vesicles) around the ear. In Ramsay Hunt syndrome, the virus affects the nerves in the ear, which can damage hearing and cause balance problems if not treated quickly.

Conditions like Ramsay Hunt syndrome, though rare, require prompt medical attention. Symptoms such as facial paralysis or hearing loss should never be ignored.

Dizziness, Nausea, or Vomiting

These symptoms may signal inner ear disorders like Ramsay Hunt syndrome, mastoiditis, labyrinthitis, or vestibular neuritis, which affect balance and require professional assessment.

Swelling Behind the Ear

This can be a potential sign of mastoiditis, a serious condition requiring immediate care.

Facial Paralysis or Numbness

These symptoms suggest nerve involvement and may indicate conditions like Bell’s palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, or other severe ear infections spreading to surrounding structures.

Symptoms Lasting More than 2-3 Days

If you’ve tried home remedies for 2-3 days with no change, or any worsening of symptoms, it’s time to see a medical provider.

Persistent or worsening symptoms, especially when paired with high fever or drainage from the ear, warrant immediate professional evaluation.

Home Remedies for Quick Relief from Ear Pain

In the absence of severe or serious conditions requiring medical attention, the following home remedies may make a person suffering from ear pain more comfortable.

Heat or Cold Therapy

Heat and cold can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve blood flow. Try alternating between heat and cold applications to benefit from both.

Warm Compress: place a warm towel or heating pad over the ear for 15-20 minutes. Make sure it’s not so hot it would burn the skin! The warmth soothes muscles and encourages fluid drainage.

Ice Pack: wrap an ice pack in a cloth and apply it to the ear for 10-15 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Some healthcare providers suggest that a few drops of hydrogen peroxide may help with earwax removal. However, consult your doctor before using this method to ensure it is appropriate for your situation.

Before using hydrogen peroxide, consult a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

Steam Inhalation and Nasal Irrigation

Inhaling steam from hot water may help open nasal passages and provide comfort for sinus-related ear pressure. Adding essential oils should be done cautiously and only after consulting a healthcare provider.

Nasal irrigation, such as using a Neti pot, may be more effective than steam inhalation.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help reduce discomfort. Follow dosing instructions and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

OTC Ear Drops: ear drops, like those that contain peroxide or mineral oil, can help soften earwax. However, avoid using them if you suspect a ruptured eardrum.

Always read labels and follow dosing instructions. Avoid any ear drops if you have a ruptured eardrum.

Adjusting Sleep Positions

Sleeping upright or on the unaffected side can help reduce pressure and pain by encouraging fluid in the ear to drain.

Special Tips for Children

For kids, safe remedies for ear pain include:

Warm compresses

Pain relievers, but only those recommended by a pediatrician, and these should be used exactly as directed. Note: aspirin is never safe for children; it can cause a life-threatening complication called Reye syndrome.

Gentle distraction techniques like reading or calming activities

Home remedies can provide temporary relief, but persistent pain or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.

Diagnostic Procedures for Ear Pain

A doctor may perform or order certain tests and procedures, depending on what they believe is the cause of your ear pain.

Physical Exam

A physical examination of the ears and surrounding areas may include:

Checking the ear canal and eardrum for redness, swelling, or fluid
Pulling on the ear or pressing on the tragus to check for tenderness (a sign of otitis externa)
Feeling the jaw joint (TMJ) for tenderness or clicking
Looking at the nose, throat, and cranial nerves for other problems.

Hearing Tests

If a doctor suspects middle ear involvement or hearing loss, she or he may check your hearing with the following tests:

Simple hearing tests like whispering or rubbing fingers near the ear

Pneumatic otoscopy or tympanometry to check eardrum movement for middle ear issues.

Imaging and Lab Tests

While these are not routine tests, in some cases, a doctor may want to order additional assessments such as:

MRI with contrast: to check for tumors or other causes of unexplained ear pain
CT scan: to look at bone problems or infections like mastoiditis
ESR test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): this is one lab test that may be ordered to check for temporal arteritis in people over 50.

Advanced tests like MRI or CT scans are typically reserved for unexplained or severe ear pain and are ordered at the discretion of a healthcare provider.

Specialist Procedures

A specialist may order the following assessments to determine the root cause of chronic ear pain:

Fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy: this examines the throat and nasal areas for hidden tumors. This may be recommended for those with chronic ear pain alongside risk factors like smoking and/or heavy alcohol use.
Advanced scans: technetium and gallium scans may be used to detect and track malignant otitis externa.

Prescription Treatments

A doctor may prescribe the following treatments, depending on the cause:

Antibiotics: if the pain is due to bacterial infections like otitis media, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection. Antibiotics are effective for bacterial infections but should only be prescribed after a professional evaluation.

Prescription Ear Drops: medications such as antipyrine-benzocaine ear drops can treat ear pain and inflammation. They can also be used alongside antibiotics to make the person more comfortable.

All prescription treatments should be used only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Prevention Tips for Healthy Ears

The following recommendations can support general ear health and may reduce the risk of ear problems:

Avoid Cotton Swabs and Sharp Objects

These can push wax deeper, damage the eardrum, or cause injury. Never put anything into your ear canal, including cotton swabs.

Addressing Earwax Safely

Consider using earwax-softening drops or gentle irrigation with lukewarm water to support ear hygiene. Speak with your doctor about safe options for managing earwax.

If wax buildup is frequent, speak with your doctor about safe removal methods.

Keep Ears Dry

After swimming or showering, tilt your head to let water drain and use a towel to dry ears. If necessary, use a hairdryer on the lowest setting at a safe distance. Use earplugs while swimming if needed.

Manage Allergies and Sinus Issues

Treat allergies early to avoid fluid buildup that can cause ear pain.

Equalize Pressure

During flights or diving, chew gum, swallow, or perform the Valsalva maneuver (pinch your nose and gently exhale) to relieve pressure buildup that can affect the Eustachian tubes. Speak with a healthcare provider if you have questions about techniques like the Valsalva maneuver to avoid injury.

Regular Checkups

Regular checkups can provide safe removal of earwax and personalized advice for maintaining ear health.

Following these tips can help prevent infections, discomfort, and long-term ear problems.