FAQ
What causes ear pain?
The most common cause of pain in the ear is an infection. Children get ear infections, often during colds or allergies. When tubes in their ears get blocked, ear pain can result. It is important to seek medical attention if the pain is not getting better.
Other causes of ear pain can include excessive ear wax, a change in the air pressure, or another problem near the ear. For example, tonsillitis and pharyngitis can both cause severe pain in the ears. People who grind their teeth and have TMJ pain may also develop ear pain. People who have severe pain in one or both ears should seek prompt medical attention.
Can a loud noise cause ear pain?
People who have jobs that regularly expose them to loud sounds, such as industrial equipment, may be at risk for acoustic trauma. Acoustic trauma causes damage to the eardrum and the muscles in the inner ear. Symptoms may include a buzzing sound, ear pain, and hearing loss.
How is an ear infection treated?
A doctor can diagnose an ear infection by examining the inner ear. If the ear infection is not improving, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Doctors may recommend ear drops to help lessen the pain. In extreme cases, surgery may be required if the pain does not go away.
What is acute otitis media?
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a type of ear infection that happens in one ear or both ears. It is the most common type of ear infection. It is a short-term infection that comes on suddenly. It often causes sharp pain in the ear.
This infection can happen when the middle ear becomes infected and swells. The swelling prevents the eustachian tube from draining fluid away from the middle ear. This causes pressure on the eardrum and pain in the ear. Because the fluid is not draining out of the ear, bacteria can begin to build up.
Children often suffer from this type of ear infection because their eustachian tubes are narrower and can more easily become clogged. Children are especially susceptible to ear infections when they are sick with a cold. They may have temporary hearing loss as a result.
How do I tell if my infant has an ear infection?
While it can be difficult to tell if an infant has an ear infection, there are a few signs of an ear infection:
- Fever higher than 100 degrees
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hearing loss
- Extreme fussiness
- Tugging on or touching the ear
- Difficulty sleeping
- Drainage from ear
Depending on the age of the patient, symptoms may differ.
Is swimmer’s ear contagious?
Swimmer's ear happens when water is trapped in the ear canal and allows bacteria to grow. Individuals may notice pain when pulling on the earlobe. However, because the bacteria are inside the ear, this infection is not contagious. Doctors may prescribe antibiotic ear drops for the infection.
Visit Your Urgent Care Center
When in doubt, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention for ear pain. In children, waiting too long can result in permanent hearing loss. In individuals with recent head trauma, ear pain can be a sign of a more severe injury. Getting the right antibiotics or another treatment can help ear pain go away faster.
Whatever the cause, it is crucial to find out if the pain is caused by ear wax, loud noises, an infection, head trauma, or something more severe. For those living near Corona, you can find the route cause of the pain by stopping by Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care. If you want to verify if the ear pain is benign before coming in, you may contact us at (951) 272-5900. We have staff available to see you any time of day year-round.