Ear Pain And Ear Infections

What Is an Earache?

An earache is pain that occurs in or around the ear and can affect the outer, middle, or inner ear. Pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain and may interfere with hearing. Not all earaches are caused by infections, but ear infections often require medical evaluation and treatment. Click here to learn more about the illnesses we treat at our urgent care centers. 

Earache vs. Ear Infection

An earache refers to pain in the ear and is not always due to an infection. Ear infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or, less commonly, fungi. These infections often require antibiotics or other medical treatments.

What Causes Ear Pain?

Infections

• Bacterial: Bacteria can enter the middle ear through the Eustachian tube, causing fluid buildup and inflammation.
• Viral: Viruses from colds or flu can trigger ear infections.
• Fungal: Rare infections of the outer ear can occur, particularly in swimmers or people exposed to damp conditions.

Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers

• Allergies: Can block the Eustachian tubes and lead to fluid buildup or infection.
• Injuries: Aggressive cleaning or foreign objects can damage the ear canal or eardrum.
• Swimmer’s Ear: Trapped water in the ear increases the risk of outer ear infections.
• Barotrauma: Sudden pressure changes, such as during flights or diving, can cause pain or damage.
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Fluid or pressure buildup may lead to infection.
• Referred Pain: Pain from jaw, throat, sinus, or tooth problems may be felt in the ear.

Earache Symptoms

Adults

• Sharp or dull ear pain
• Fullness or pressure in the ear
• Temporary hearing loss
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

Children

• Tugging or pulling at the ear
• Irritability, especially when lying down
• Difficulty sleeping or eating
• Fever, fluid drainage, or other signs of infection

Associated Symptoms Indicating Infection

• Fever
• Thick or discolored fluid from the ear
• Muffled or lost hearing
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Swelling or redness around the ear
• Persistent or worsening pain

Types of Earaches

• Outer Ear Pain (Otitis Externa): Inflammation of the outer ear canal, commonly known as swimmer’s ear.
• Middle Ear Pain (Otitis Media): Inflammation of the middle ear due to bacterial or viral infection. May cause fluid buildup and pressure.
• Inner Ear Pain: Linked to inner ear inflammation, sometimes causing dizziness, balance issues, or hearing loss.
• Referred Ear Pain: Pain that originates elsewhere but is felt in the ear.

At-Home Remedies for Temporary Relief

• Warm or cool compress therapy
• Hydration to thin mucus and aid drainage
• Head elevation to reduce ear pressure
• Steam inhalation for congestion relief

When to Seek Urgent Care for Ear Pain

Visit Urgent Medical Center if you or your child experience:

• Moderate to severe ear pain that does not improve within one to two days
• Fever of 102.2° F or higher
• Fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear
• Sudden hearing loss or muffled hearing
• Dizziness, nausea, or balance problems
• Persistent ear pain following a cold, sinus infection, swimming, or air travel

Prompt evaluation can help relieve pain, treat the underlying infection, and prevent complications such as hearing loss.

Why choose us?

Our clinics are provider-owned. That means you get lower costs, no surprise billing, and more personal, attentive care from a team that puts patients first (click here to learn more).

We also offer:

• Walk-in visits (no appointment necessary)
• Care for adults & children (ages 2+)
• On-site X-rays, lab tests & vaccinations
• Bilingual Staff (English and Spanish)
• Weekend & extended hours
• All major insurance accepted
• Ample Parking