Search
Treatment for ear pain
The ear can be divided into three parts, the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear comprises the visible auricle and the ear canal, up to the eardrum. The middle ear is a cavity inside the eardrum and contains the three ossicles, the hammer, the anvil and the stirrup.
Sound waves cause the eardrum to move and this movement is transmitted to the ossicles. The stirrup sits against the oval window which is the opening to the inner ear. The inner ear includes the cochlea and the organ of balance inside the skull bones. The inner ear contains fluid that carries the movement of sound waves. It affects sensory cells, hair cells, in the inner ear that register sound and balance, which are passed on to the auditory and balance nerves.
The middle ear has a contact with the pharynx, the auditory tube , so that the pressure on both sides of the ear drum (outer and middle ear) is the same. The auditory tube is normally closed but opens every time you swallow or yawn.
Why do I have ear pain?
One of the most common causes of earache is an ear infection, which can also cause fever, hearing loss and nasal congestion. Ear infections are often associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection.
If a lot of pus collects in the middle ear, inside the eardrum, the eardrum can rupture. This is very painful and fluid may leak out of the ear.
A wax plug may have formed in the ear canal, causing pain. It can be made worse by poking your ears with, for example, a Q-tip.
Frequent bathing with a lot of water in your ears can also cause problems that lead to pain.
What causes ear pain?
The most common causes of ear pain are bacterial or viral infections, and sometimes a wax clot can also cause problems.
Otitis is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by bacteria or viruses. Pus forms in the middle ear, pressing on the eardrum and causing pain. If the pressure becomes too great, the eardrum can rupture, causing pus and sometimes blood to flow out of the ear. Ear infections are most common in children but can also affect adults.
The ear canal can also become inflamed, ear canal inflammation or external otitis, (outside the eardrum). It can be caused by getting water in the ears, picking at the ears with, for example, cotton buds, or using earplugs or earmuffs.
Ear canal furuncle is caused by an infected hair follicle in the ear canal. An abscess can form, which is painful and can cause ear infections.
Ear pain can also be caused by a wax plug in the ear canal. Wax is normally formed by glands in the ear canal and is supposed to ‘drain’ and keep the ear canal clean of debris. Sometimes, however, it can become too tough and a plug can form, blocking the ear canal. Hearing then becomes a little worse and it can feel like a lid for the ear, it can also itch and hurt. It often feels worse when you get water in your ear. Can be caused by a narrow ear canal, earplugs, headphones, etc.
Sometimes a pearly cyst can occur. This is an accumulation of dead skin cells inside the eardrum. It presses and hurts, and there may be a curling sensation. Once a pearly cyst has formed, it usually grows over time, as the removal of dead skin cells is stopped. A pearly cyst can damage the ossicles and other tissues when it grows too large and therefore needs to be surgically removed.
Shingles can also cause ear pain as it can affect nerves around the ear. This can cause pain, hearing loss and dizziness.
Why do I have ear pain?
One of the most common causes of earache is an ear infection, which can also cause fever, hearing loss and nasal congestion. Ear infections are often associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection.
If a lot of pus collects in the middle ear, inside the eardrum, the eardrum can rupture. This is very painful and fluid may leak out of the ear.
A wax plug may have formed in the ear canal, causing pain. It can be made worse by poking your ears with, for example, a Q-tip.
Frequent bathing with a lot of water in your ears can also cause problems that lead to pain.
What is ear pain a symptom of?
Ear pain usually has an infectious background or a swollen, narrow ear canal. Stress causes increased pressure, which can also cause headaches and affect the ears. See also earlier.
When and where should I seek treatment for ear pain?
If, at the same time as your ear aches, you also have stiffness in your neck and other general symptoms, such as tiredness and fever, you should seek urgent medical attention. The same applies if you have dizziness and balance problems. If you suddenly experience ear pain and hearing loss that does not go away, seek medical attention.
For ear pain that does not have a more serious background, you can get help at a FasciaClinic. The treatment relieves tension in the neck and ear region and the pain can then stop. Swelling in the ear canal and middle ear can be reduced during treatment and pressure equalization takes place which can reduce symptoms. Wax and dead skin cells are more easily transported out of the ear canal.
How is ear pain treated?
At a FasciaClinic, the body’s balance and flow are treated, reducing tension and swelling. The treatment does not hurt and is usually experienced as pleasant.
Ear infections in adults are usually treated with antibiotics.
Ear pain – What can I do myself?
Don’t pick your ears with ear plugs and the like. Avoid getting water in your ears by using ear protection when bathing and showering. Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce swelling and therefore pain in the ears. Warmth with a heating pad or rice pillow against the ear can provide relief. Pressurizing the middle ear a few times a day can be helpful. Hold your nose and mouth closed, pushing air into your middle ear until it ‘clicks’. Take some home remedies or over-the-counter ear drops.
Home remedies for ear pain?
Olive oil has a lubricating effect in the ear canal and can help clear away wax and dead skin cells. Drip a few drops of warm olive oil (to drain easily) into your ear at bedtime, using a cotton ball as a plug. Wipe the oil out of the outer ear in the morning.
Onions and garlic have bactericidal properties and can be pressed or finely chopped and then mixed with, for example, olive oil and dripped into the ear.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Squeeze the juice out of the ginger and drip a few drops into your ear.
