Indeed we have all suffered from pain in the ears at some time. This can vary depending on its cause, and in those cases in which it is very intense, it can be an actual discomfort when leading a normal lifestyle. The ear is a sensitive area, and the parts that can be damaged, causing pain, are various. The most common causes that can trigger discomfort in the ears are infections, damage to the eardrum, pressure changes, etc. At FastlyHealwe, explain the causes of earache.
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Ear infection
Known as otitis, it is the inflammation of the ear, which can affect the internal and external parts of the ear. We differentiate between acute otitis, which appears for a short period, and chronic otitis, which is suffered for a longer time. There are different types of otitis:
- External otitis. Also called the swimmer’s ear, it involves inflammation of the outer part of the ear and the external auditory canal. It is usually more common in adolescents, and the cause may be some bacteria found in the water entering the ear and causing infection.
- Otitis media . This infection involves the middle ear, located behind the eardrum. The condition is caused by dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. Respiratory diseases usually accompany it.
- Malignant external otitis . It involves infection of the bones of the external auditory canal and damage to them. It is caused by the swimmer’s ear.
- Chronic ear infection. It occurs due to permanently accumulating fluid in the back of the eardrum. This happens when the Eustachian tube, the channel responsible for transporting liquid, becomes blocked.
Ear pain from pressure changes
It occurs when the pressure in the outer ear and the inner ear are of different intensities and can cause damage to the ear. The best example to explain it is remembering the sensation we have in our ears when we are on an airplane. The change in pressure caused by heights makes our ears clog. When this happens, we usually yawn to fix it. This explanation is that yawning causes the Eustachian tube to open, allowing air to flow in and out of the middle ear.
Hole in the eardrum
Another cause of earache can be a perforated eardrum. The eardrum is a tissue that separates the outer ear from the inner ear. Some infections can cause it to break down because of the accumulated fluid. The pressure builds, and eventually, the eardrum ruptures. It is usually more common in children. Other causes of perforation of the eardrum can be hearing a constant noise in the ear, the introduction of an object, and a rapid change in pressure.
Temporomandibular joint disorders
They are the joint conditions that connect the lower jaw with the skull, causing pain and difficulty chewing, among other problems. When suffering from this ailment, the person usually feels pain in the facial muscles, jaw joints, and areas near the ears. When the person closes and opens their mouth, sounds are heard, and they can also suffer from dizziness, headaches, and even hearing loss. Sinusitis as a cause of earache
Another cause of earache can be inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, hollows located in the bones around the nose, and is caused by an infection. Sinusitis is usually secondary to a respiratory tract infection caused by a virus. We can differentiate between acute sinusitis, which is present for four weeks, and chronic sinusitis, which lasts for more than three months.
Dental infection
When a tooth becomes infected to the point of collecting pus, it causes infection of the nerve and produces very intense pain that can extend to the ears.
What to do if my ears hurt?
Next, we will explain some remedies that you can use to relieve earache, which in no case replace the advice of a professional doctor:
- Apply a cool cloth to your ear to ease swelling.
- Staying upright instead of standing to reduce pressure in the ear.
- Chew gum to relieve pain caused by the pressure change.
- Soak some of the lemon juice in cotton wool and place it at the ear entrance for about 10 minutes. You can do this before going to sleep to ease the pain and fall asleep more easily.
- Apply 2 or 3 drops of almond or olive oil after heating two small tablespoons. Let it cool down before putting the drops in your ear.
- Put a couple of drops of aloe vera in the ear, as long as the eardrum is not perforated. Aloe vera can help relieve irritation.
When to go to the doctor in case my ears hurt?
Considering the intensity of the pain and its duration, you should see a doctor. If the pain has appeared recently and is not an unbearable discomfort, you can wait a couple of days and try some of these remedies waiting for it to disappear. If the pain lasts for weeks or you have very intense pain suddenly or permanently, go to the doctor to solve the ailment.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Causes of earache , we recommend that you enter our Ear, Nose and Throat category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.