Reason for Ear Pain

What are the Symptoms of Ear Pain?

1. Pain in the ear.
2. Difficulty in Hearing 
3. Fluid drainage from the ear

Symptoms of Ear Pain in Children are as follows:

1. Fever
2. Irritability
3. Headache
4. Pain in the Jaw
5. Increased crying 
6. Hearing loss
7. Difficulty hearing or recognising sounds
8. Appetite loss

The most common reasons are as follows:

1. Ear Wax: Wax is constantly produced and eliminated from your ears. When the procedure is unsuccessful, the wax accumulates and hardens, obstructing your ear canal and causing pain. When earwax has accumulated in the ear canal to the point that there may be indications that something isn't quite right, it is referred to as being impacted.
2. Air Pressure: The air pressure inside the ear is typically stable; however, if it fluctuates due to riding in an elevator or aeroplane, this could cause pain and hearing loss. 
3. Middle Ear Infection: The middle ear tubes that may become blocked by a cold, allergies, or sinus infection along with fluid accumulation are mainly diagnosed as Otitis Media. This is the most common reason for ear pain.
4. Swimmer’s Ear: After swimming, water that remains in your ear canal may promote the growth of bacteria, which can cause swelling, redness, itching, and leakage of pus. The outer ear is mainly infected. So after swimming, it's essential to keep your ears dry.
5. The temporomandibular disorder: Primarily impacts the joints that attach the jawbone to the skull.

How to Diagnose Ear Infection?

1. Diagnosis is performed using an Otoscope to blow air on the eardrum to determine if it is moving, usually identifying an ear infection.
2. Tympanometry: This medical test evaluates the middle ear and eardrum's movement and function.
3. Acoustic Reflectometry: The sonar-based technique allows for the identification of middle ear effusion.
4. Tympanocentesis: This process involves removing fluid from beneath the eardrum. The doctor obtains the fluid sample using a special needle and a tube. The liquid sample is subjected to a culture and sensitivity test.
5. Nasolaryngoscopy: A flexible fibre-optic endoscope is used in a diagnostic medical procedure to view the structures within the nasal passages, including the sinus openings, the larynx, and the vocal cords.
6. Computed Tomography: If Mastoiditis is suspected of causing Ear Pain, a Computed Tomography (CT) scan may be indicated.

 

What are the complications of Ear Pain?

1. Depending on the cause, complications are as follows:
2. Malignant Otitis is a severe disorder that can require high doses of antibiotics and immediate medical attention. It can result from ear infections like the swimmer's ear, which can cause an infection to spread to areas around the ear.
3. Hearing Loss or dizziness may result after an eardrum rupture, mainly if it doesn't fully heal. Acute medical care is necessary if an infection spreads to the bone behind the ear (mastoiditis).
4. Recurrent ear infections or a long-term buildup of fluid in the middle ear in children might result in hearing loss and behavioural or language issues.

Management of Ear Pain at Home?

1. Apply a cold compress to the ear.
2. Keep your ears dry.
3. To relieve the ear pressure, sit up straight.
4. An ear infection can be painful and uncomfortable, but chewing may help.
5. Usage of over-the-counter medications.

 

How to Prevent Ear Pain?

1. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoking.
2. After swimming or taking a bath, dry your ears.
3. Avoid putting anything foreign in the ears.

 

How to Manage Ear Pain by using Medications?

1. By using Over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, ear pain can be managed.
2. Children may need medications like amoxicillin if their ear infection is severe or lasts more than a few days. 

 

When to Visit the Doctor?

1. If the temperature is 104°F (40°C) or above, get medical help. 
2. If you experience extreme discomfort that suddenly stops after an eardrum ruptvisits, visits a doctor. 
3. If an earache worsens or doesn't go away in 24 to 48 hours, you should also schedule an appointment with your doctor.