Ear pain or earache is a common reason for visits to the ENT Clinic. A question I hear often from my patients is “Why does my ear hurt on the inside?” Recently one patient described this pain using the term “inner ear pain”, he meant deep-seated pain in the ear, not actual pain in the third part of the ear (inner ear). Read about the structure of the ear to know the three parts of the ear.
“How do I get rid of the pain in my ear?” is the natural question that follows, my answer would be: to get relief from earache, it is important to know the cause of it.
The cause of ear pain may be obvious at times, but sometimes it can be a puzzle to solve. It could be a build-up of earwax, fungal infection, middle ear infection, or due to common cold.
In this blog post, you can find 5 common causes of ear pain, what homecare you can do when you have ear pain during the night, and when to seek help.
Middle ear infection or otitis media is a common reason for ear pain, in children and adults. Usually, it is secondary to common cold, sinus issues, or throat infection.
When we (ENT Specialists) examine the ear, findings could be pus, inflammation, or a hole in the eardrum.
Thorough cleaning of the ear by an ENT specialist followed by antibiotic ear drops and oral antibiotics. You can read more about the treatment of ear infection here.
In some cases of chronic ear infection, surgery may be necessary. You may want to know more about tympanoplasty surgery.
Earwax is another common cause of ear pain. It is our natural secretion that forms a protective layer for the ear canal. In some people, wax accumulates and over time becomes hard.
An ENT doctor can show you the accumulated wax using a video otoscope during ear examination.
Earwax removal through syringing, suction, or manual removal by earwax removal instruments (Vectis).
If it is hard, wax-dissolving ear drops may be prescribed to soften the wax before removal.
A word of caution here: please get the wax cleaned by an ENT specialist near you. Do not try it at home or go to roadside quacks. You may push it further inside or damage the ear.
I have seen many patients who come with ear infection or damage to the ear canal or eardrum as a result of self-cleaning attempts.
Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. If you’re an avid swimmer or surfer, you might be more prone to this condition. Using earbuds, fingernails to rub the ear, or instilling oil into the ear are other common causes.
Read about reasons of itching in the ear in the next post.
Most of my patients ask, “How should I clean the ear?” The truth is—it’s usually not required. Read about Why not to clean the ear?
– Ear pain or discomfort
– Itching or tickling sensations
– Discharge or odor from the ear
– Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Antibiotic ear drops or antibiotic- soaked ear wicks in the ear canal. Analgesic may be prescribed.
TMJ disorders can cause mysterious earache, jaw joint pain, and even headaches.
Jaw exercises, pain relief medications, or dental appliances.
Eustachian tube blockage due to cold and sinus infection can cause ear pain, ear blockage, hearing loss, and autophony (hearing your own voice).
Ear pain due to a cold usually gets better with nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and pain medicines.
Pain is the body’s whisper — a soft plea to slow down, listen, and heal.”
Mostly, the diagnosis of earache is straightforward. However, persistent or recurrent ear pain requires thorough examination by an ENT doctor near you to get proper treatment of your earache based on the cause and a proper diagnosis of the issue behind your ear pain.
If you’re in or around Vashi, Navi Mumbai, feel free to visit our ENT clinic for expert care.
Stay tuned for the next post on “how to diagnose the cause of ear pain”
Read my previous post about “How to care for Ear and hearing”?
Hi, I’m Dr. Archana Jhawar, an ENT specialist with over 24 years of experience. I specialize in tinnitus treatment, vertigo , ear care, and ear surgeries, practicing at Neoalta Clinic, Vashi, and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Navi Mumbai. I’ve trained in vertigo management and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), combining science with compassion to offer holistic, evidence-based care. I’m passionate about writing, poetry, music, yoga, and photography.
