Earaches and Ear Pain
Pain or aching in the ear is a common complaint — especially with children. Oftentimes the cause for pain is something that can be treated quickly and efficiently, but there are many reasons for pain in your ear and it is worth being examined by a medical professional.
Why does my ear hurt?
Earaches often indicate an underlying condition in both children and adults. The source of pain is most commonly an infection, illnesses, injury or fluid or a foreign object in the ear, but sometimes the root cause can be a condition in another part of the body like the mouth.
Ear Pain Symptoms in Children
If your child is feeling pain or pressure in their ear, you may want to pursue an exam and diagnosis from a medical provider. Common symptoms associated with an earache in children include:
Muffled hearing
Irritability
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Loss of balance
Ear pain combined with the symptoms above are a sign your child may require medical treatment.
Ear Pain Symptoms in Adults
In addition to ear pain, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, it is recommended you seek medical assistance.
Impaired hearing
Fluid draining from the ear
Common Causes of Ear Pain
There are many causes of ear pain. With an exam to gain a better understanding of your symptoms, a medical provider can diagnose your pain to help relieve the pain and cure any underlying conditions.
The most common causes of ear pain are:
Ear infection of either the middle or outer ear (swimmer’s ear)
Minor ear injury, like an abrasion
Earwax buildup
A foreign object in the ear
The common cold
Water trapped in the ear
Underlying or untreated tooth pain
How can I treat an earache at home?
If you or your child are feeling pain from an earache, there are a few ways to relieve the pain at home.
Apply very gentle pressure with a cool washcloth
Avoid getting water in the ear
Sit upright to reduce ear pressure, over-the-counter decongestants may also help in adults
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
When should you visit urgent care for diagnosis and treatment for your earache?
If your child is showing signs of ear pain, you should seek medical attention.
If you or a loved one have experienced symptoms for more than a day, have a fever, are in severe pain or there is fluid, blood or pus coming out of the ear you should visit a medical provider for an exam and diagnosis. Check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you.
This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.
Symptoms We Treat
WellNow Urgent Care is dedicated to help you feel better, faster. Our dedicated medical team employs a comprehensive approach to treat your symptoms — as well as any illnesses or injuries they may stem from — to help you get better, faster.
This list contains our most commonly treated illnesses and symptoms. If you are
experiencing an illness not listed or are unsure of the source of your discomfort, visit a
WellNow location near you or start a virtual care session.