Ear Pain (Otalgia)

Ear pain, or otalgia, is discomfort or sharp pain in one or both ears. It may originate within the ear itself or be referred from nearby areas such as the throat or jaw. Ear pain is common in children but can affect people of all ages. Symptoms may include hearing loss, ringing in the ears, drainage, or a feeling of fullness.

• Ear-related causes: Middle ear infection (otitis media), swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), earwax buildup, injury or foreign body.
• Referred pain: Dental infections, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, throat infections.
• Other causes: Barotrauma from air travel or diving, sinus infections, allergic reactions.
• Risk factors: Children under 5, frequent upper respiratory infections, swimming, allergies, exposure to tobacco smoke, use of pacifiers.

Consult a doctor if ear pain is severe, lasts longer than two days, or is accompanied by fever, hearing loss, fluid or pus drainage, dizziness, or swelling around the ear. Infants and toddlers with ear pain, fussiness, or trouble feeding should also be evaluated promptly.