"Earache" redirects here. For record label, see Earache Records.
Medical condition
Ear pain
Other names
Otalgia, earache
Examination of the ear canal and eardrum
Specialty
ENT surgery
Ear pain, also known as earache or otalgia, is pain in the ear.[1][2] Primary ear pain is pain that originates from the ear. Secondary ear pain is a type of referred pain, meaning that the source of the pain differs from the location where the pain is felt.
Most causes of ear pain are non-life-threatening.[3][4] Primary ear pain is more common than secondary ear pain,[5] and it is often due to infection or injury.[3] The conditions that cause secondary (referred) ear pain are broad and range from temporomandibular joint syndrome to inflammation of the throat.[3]
In general, the reason for ear pain can be discovered by taking a thorough history of all symptoms and performing a physical examination, without need for imaging tools like a CT scan.[3] However, further testing may be needed if red flags are present like hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ear or unexpected weight loss.[6]
Management of ear pain depends on the cause. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are sometimes recommended and over the counter pain medications can help control discomfort.[7] Some causes of ear pain require a procedure or surgery.[7][8][9]
83 percent of children have at least one episode of a middle ear infection by three years of age.[10]
^"Earache: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
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^ abCoombs C (2016). "Chapter 118: Ear and Mastoid Disorders in Infants and Children". In Tintinalli JE, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Yealy DM, Meckler GD, Cline DM (eds.). Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide (8 ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN 978-0071794763.
^Stallard TC (2017). "Chapter 32: Emergency Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Sinuses, Oropharynx, & Mouth". In Stone CK, Humphries RL (eds.). CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Emergency Medicine (8 ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
^Cite error: The named reference Harrisons19th was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Cite error: The named reference Rosa-Olivares2015 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
characterized by itching in the ear, malodorous discharge, inflammation, pruritus, scaling, and severe discomfort or earpain. The mycosis results in inflammation...
used to remove ear wax are uncommon, but may result in discomfort, irritation, or pain. Antibiotic ear drops may cause ear discomfort, pain, or itching....
externa, also called swimmer's ear, is inflammation of the ear canal. It often presents with earpain, swelling of the ear canal, and occasionally decreased...
of the middle ear. One of the two main types is acute otitis media (AOM), an infection of rapid onset that usually presents with earpain. In young children...
Antipyrine and benzocaine ear drops is a medication for the treatment of earpain caused by otitis media. It combines antipyrine, an NSAID, and benzocaine...
The ear pull is a traditional Inuit game or sport which tests the competitors' ability to endure pain, and also strength. In the ear pull, two competitors...
loss, which is usually temporary. Other symptoms may include tinnitus, earpain, vertigo, or a discharge of mucus. Nausea and/or vomiting secondary to...
affected ear(s), a feeling that the affected ear(s) is clogged, crackling, earpain, tinnitus, autophony, and muffled hearing. While Eustachian tube dysfunction...
many common ailments like cold, coughs, throat pain, body pain, stomach disorders, earpain, tooth pain and many more products. Based on the ancient herbal...
An acoustic shock, which can lead to symptoms such as hyperacusis and earpain, can also occur after exposure to an unexpected moderately loud to loud...
vesicles in the ear, which may occur if the facial palsy is due to shingles. Symptoms may develop over several hours. : 1228 Acute facial pain radiating from...
deafness, vertigo, and pain. A triad of ipsilateral facial paralysis, earpain, and vesicles on the face, on the ear, or in the ear is the typical presentation...
can also cause tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears, ear fullness, hearing loss and earpain. Impacted earwax is more common in those with Down's...
leads to chronic earpain, in particular in the case of hyperacusis and acoustic shock. Symptoms include a sensation of fullness in the ear, otalgia, tinnitus...
for ear piercing and make the practice illegal. She claims that pierced ears is equivalent to physical abuse and child cruelty for the fear and pain inflicted...
Pain and tenderness on palpation in the muscles of mastication, or of the joint itself (preauricular pain – pain felt just in front of the ear). Pain...
as one's own breathing, voice, and heartbeat, vibrate directly onto the ear drum and can create a "bucket on the head" effect, making it difficult for...
Red ears in RP indicate inflamed cartilage (and sometimes the skin of the outer ear along with the cartilage) and often cause moderate to extreme pain during...
Antipyrine-benzocaine otic consists of antipyrine and benzocaine, and is used to relieve earpain and remove earwax. Cepacol consists of menthol and benzocaine, and is used...
traumatic causes of auricular hematoma. The ear itself is often tense, fluctuant, and tender with throbbing pain. However, because of potentially more remarkable...
is a general term for inflammation in ear or ear infection, inner ear infection, middle ear infection of the ear, in both humans and other animals. When...
for early referral. These include Difficulty swallowing Vocal stridor Earpain Recent weight loss History of smoking Current or recent radiotherapy treatment...
cancer can result in referred earpain. This nerve is also responsible for the ear-cough reflex in which stimulation of the ear canal results in a person...
the ear.[citation needed][clarification needed] An ear clearing maneuver will often relieve pressure in the middle ear, or pain if any. The ears can be...
known as "hot potato voice" may appear. Neck pain associated with tender, swollen lymph nodes, referred earpain and foul breath are also common. While these...
squeeze. This damage causes local pain and hearing loss. Tympanic rupture during a dive can allow water into the middle ear, which can cause severe vertigo...
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