Ear Pain (Otalgia)

The symptoms of ear pain can vary depending on the cause of the pain. 

Symptoms that suggest primary otalgia include:

• continuous and worsening ear pain

• discharge from your ears

• a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears

• vertigo (feeling off balance)

Symptoms that suggest secondary otalgia include:

• intermittent ear pain

• pain when chewing

• sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses (the air-filled cavities in the face)

• reflux – when contents from the stomach enter the oesophagus

Causes of primary otalgia include:

• extreme changes in pressure (barotrauma) – this can occur as a result of events such as scuba diving or flying at high altitudes

• a foreign object in the ear

• impacted earwax 

• eustachian tube dysfunction – when the tubes that connect the middle ears to the upper throat become blocked

• swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) – an infection of the outer ear, commonly caused by water becoming trapped in the ear canal

• a middle ear infection (otitis media)

• a perforated or retracted eardrum

• a tumour in the ear – this is very rare

Causes of secondary otalgia include:

• temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) – when the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull isn’t working properly, which can be associated with things like teeth grinding at night, or jaw clicking when chewing

• problems in the neck

• problems with the nerves around the ear

• a sore throat or infections of the throat, such as tonsillitis

• dental problems, such as cavities or abscesses

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• throat cancer

At your initial consultation, one of our ENT specialists will talk to you about your specific symptoms and medical history. They’ll examine your ears, throat, and jaw and may carry out some other tests to diagnose your ear pain and determine the cause. 

Tests to investigate ear pain may include:

• a flexible nasal endoscopy – a small camera on the end of a tube is passed through your nose to look at your throat in detail

• hearing and pressure tests, such as tympanometry and audiometr,y to check the function of the ears 

• an MRI or CT scan to get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside the ear

It’s not always possible to prevent ear pain, as there can be many different causes. There are certain things you can do to reduce your risk of developing ear pain. 

To reduce your risk of developing ear pain: 

• never insert anything into the ear, including cotton buds

• treat ear infections early – see a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days 

• protect your ears from pressure changes, for example, when flying – chew gum, yawn, or swallow during take off and landing 

• protect your ears from loud noises – wear earplugs or hearing protection if you’ll be near loud or explosive noise 

• manage allergies and other conditions that can lead to blocked tubes in the ears, nose and throat

• if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, practice jaw-relaxing exercises, and consider using a mouthguard at night

The complications of untreated ear pain can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause of the pain. It’s important to get a diagnosis from an ENT specialist so the best treatment options can be recommended. 

Potential complications of untreated ear pain:

• hearing loss 

• a perforated or retracted eardrum

• vertigo and dizziness

• tinitus 

• delayed speech development in children 

• mastoiditis – infection of the bone behind the ear 

In rare cases, untreated ear pain caused by an ear infection can lead to meningitis – a serious infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

The treatment you’ll require will depend on the type of ear pain you have and the underlying cause. Our ENT specialists will be able to recommend the best treatment options following your consultation. If your ear pain is due to an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics or steroids. 

At home care for ear pain: 

• take over-the-counter pain killers  

• apply hot and cold compresses to the affected ear(s)

• take the full course of any medication prescribed for an infection 

Other treatment options for ear pain: 

• microsuction – a safe, water-free procedure to remove earwax and foreign objects

• wick insertion – a procedure which delivers medication directly into the ear canal 

• surgery –  for example, to repair a perforated eardrum 

If your pain is due to a problem with your jaw, such as TMJ, or a dental issue, your consultant may refer you to another specialist within the Welbeck ecosystem to address the underlying cause.

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.