About this symptom
Earache is a sharp, dull or burning pain in one or both ears. It may come and go or stay constant.
It is often caused by an infection in the ear, especially in children. But pain from nearby parts, such as the throat, teeth or jaw joint, can also be felt in the ear, particularly in adults. That is why the doctor looks at the mouth, nose and throat as well as the ear.
Possible causes
This is not a diagnosis. These are the causes doctors think about, with the ones that are most urgent to rule out first.
- Ear infectionEarache with fever and reduced hearing, often starting quickly, sometimes with discharge or a feeling of pressure. Common in children, often after a cold. Babies may tug at the ear.Read about it
- Outer ear infectionItching, irritation and scaly skin around the ear, sometimes with discharge. Water, earplugs or eczema in the ear canal can set it off.
- TonsillitisEar pain together with a sore throat and pain on swallowing, because pain from the throat can be felt in the ear.Read about it
- SinusitisA sinus infection can cause pain that is felt in the ear. The doctor checks the nose and throat as well as the ear.Read about it
- Earwax or something stuck in the earA blocked or muffled ear with pain or a change in hearing. Do not try to remove wax or an object yourself.
- Toothache or a dental abscessPain from a tooth, an abscess or, in small children, teething can be felt in the ear.
- Jaw joint problemPain from the jaw joint can be felt in the ear. Pain that comes from nearby parts is more common in adults than in children.
- Burst eardrumA hole in the eardrum. Severe pain that suddenly stops may mean the eardrum has burst, often followed by discharge or a change in hearing.
When to get help
See a doctor soon if you have:
- Earache that has lasted more than 2 to 3 days, or is getting worse
- Fluid or discharge coming from the ear
- Hearing loss or a change in hearing
- Swelling around the ear, or redness and tenderness behind it
- A high temperature, shivering, dizziness or being sick
- A baby with earache, or a young child with earache in both ears
People with diabetes, or a weakened immune system, or a heart, lung, kidney or nerve condition, should not wait. A child under 5 with earache is also best seen by a doctor. Otherwise, a mild earache that is easing can be managed at home for a couple of days.
What you can do at home
Do
- Use pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if it suits you, or ask a pharmacist if you are unsure or pregnant
- Sit upright rather than lying flat
- Gently wipe away any discharge with cotton wool
- Keep water and shampoo out of the ear
Do not
- Do not put anything in the ear, including cotton buds, fingers, oil or other home remedies
- Do not try to remove earwax or a stuck object yourself
- Do not give aspirin to children under 16
- Do not use ear drops unless a doctor or pharmacist says they suit you, because some are not suitable if the eardrum is damaged
Most earaches get better on their own. An ear infection often settles within about 3 days, though it can take up to a week.
What the doctor will do
The doctor will ask how long the pain has lasted, whether you have a fever, discharge or hearing loss, and whether you have had a cold, sore throat, toothache or recent swimming. They will look in your ear with an otoscope, a small light with a magnifying lens, and examine your nose, throat and the area behind the ear.
If the ear looks normal, they will look for causes in the throat, teeth and jaw. Often no tests are needed. Treatment depends on the cause and the part of the ear affected. It may be antibiotic tablets or drops, antifungal or steroid drops, or pain-relieving drops. Drops only work if used correctly, so ask how to use them.
Myths and facts
Things people often say about this. Open each one to see what is true.
Myth“Warm oil, garlic oil or herbal juice poured in the ear cures earache.”What is true?
Fact
Do not put anything in the ear, including oil or home remedies. Most earaches get better on their own, pain relief eases the discomfort, and a doctor can advise on drops that suit the cause.
Myth“Cleaning the ears with a cotton bud, pin or stick prevents earache.”What is true?
Fact
Do not insert anything into the ear, including cotton buds, and do not try to remove earwax yourself. Ear infections cannot always be prevented, but keeping water out of the ear, keeping children's vaccinations up to date and treating conditions such as eczema all help.
Myth“Earache always means an ear infection.”What is true?
Fact
Infection is a common cause, but earache can also come from the throat, teeth, jaw, wax or a blocked ear. The doctor looks in the ear, nose and throat to find out, and treatment depends on the cause.
Questions to ask your doctor
Tick the ones you want answered and take them with you.
Common questions
Can earache go away on its own?
Yes. Most earaches get better on their own, and an ear infection often settles within about 3 days, though it can take up to a week. Pain relief helps meanwhile. See a doctor if the pain lasts more than 2 to 3 days.
Why does my ear hurt when I have a sore throat?
Pain from the throat can be felt in the ear. A sore throat, tonsillitis or quinsy can cause ear pain, usually with pain on swallowing. A cold or flu can also bring on earache with a fever.
Is it safe to put ear drops or oil in my ear?
Do not put oil or home remedies in the ear. Ear drops should be used only if a doctor or pharmacist says they suit you, because some are not suitable if the eardrum is damaged. If drops are prescribed, clear any discharge, lie on your side with the sore ear up, work the drops in and stay lying for about 5 minutes.
When should I worry about my child's earache?
A child under 5 with earache is best seen by a doctor, and so is a baby, or a child under 2 with earache in both ears. Get emergency care if the child is floppy, hard to wake, has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry, or has a stiff neck or severe headache.
