Otalgia is the medical term for ear pain. It can be caused by an infection or injury in the ear canal, earwax buildup, a perforated eardrum, or changes in air pressure and may affect the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Otalgia may feel like pressure, stabbing pain, or burning in the ear. Depending on the cause, it may occur with other symptoms, such as fever, ear drainage, or temporary hearing loss.
An ENT specialist or pediatrician should evaluate otalgia to identify its cause. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include antibiotics when the pain is caused by a bacterial infection.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of otalgia include:
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Ear pain that feels like stabbing, pressure, or burning
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Itching in the affected ear
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Fluid or pus draining from the ear
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Temporary hearing loss
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Loss of balance
If otalgia is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal ear infection, also called otitis, other symptoms may include fever, redness, or swelling of the ear.
Otalgia is more common in children. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, children who are too young to describe ear pain may become fussy, cry, pull at the affected ear, have fluid draining from the ear, or experience balance or hearing problems.
When symptoms of otalgia occur, an ENT specialist or pediatrician should be consulted to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Confirming a diagnosis
Otalgia is diagnosed by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or pediatrician based on the person's symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination of the ear. The doctor uses a device called an otoscope to examine the ear canal and eardrum.
In some cases, the doctor may also order blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), or collect a sample of ear drainage for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the presence and type of bacteria, fungus, or virus causing an infection.
Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be recommended when an underlying condition or complication is suspected. In some cases, an X-ray of the skull may also be used, although it is less commonly performed.
Why does my ear hurt?
The main causes of otalgia include:
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Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
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Earwax buildup
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Water trapped in the ear or a foreign object in the ear
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Ear injuries, trauma, or tumors
Although less common, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, or changes in air pressure may also cause otalgia. Pressure changes can occur during air travel or when traveling to high-altitude locations.
Main types
Otalgia can be classified into two types according to its cause:
1. Primary otalgia
Primary otalgia is ear pain caused by a condition that directly affects the outer, middle, or inner ear, such as an ear infection or injury.
2. Secondary otalgia
Secondary otalgia is caused by a health condition that does not directly affect the ear. Examples include sinusitis, inflammation of the throat, larynx, or pharynx, and temporomandibular disorders.
The doctor identifies the type of otalgia during the diagnostic evaluation.
Treatment options
Treatment for otalgia should be supervised by an ENT specialist or pediatrician and depends on the underlying cause.
To relieve symptoms, treatment may include a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, or an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. Applying a warm compress and keeping the ear dry may also help.
Also recommended: How to Stop an Earache Fast: 5 Simple Remedies tuasaude.com/en/ear-pain-reliefAntibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal medications may be prescribed when an infection is present. According to the CDC, some middle ear infections require antibiotics, although many improve without them. Depending on the infection and medication, treatment may be taken by mouth or applied as ear drops.
For temporomandibular disorders or bruxism, treatment may include physical therapy, massage to relax the muscles of the face and head, and the use of an acrylic dental splint.