Ear pain is a common health issue. A person can suffer from ear pain even if there is no infection. Ear pain can be bothersome to the point that it can impact your daily life. Ear pain can occur due to infection of any part of your ears, such as the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The accumulation of ear wax, which is a sticky waxy substance found in the ear, can lead to some complications like ear pain, loss of hearing, tinnitus/ringing in the ear, and even cough.
Pathophysiology
Pain due to irritation occurs mainly in the outer ear due to reasons such as wax or foreign body. Pain due to infections occurs mainly in the middle and inner ear and can result in severe complications.
Ear pain in the outer ear may be due to water or foreign bodies in the ear. Water can enter your ear while swimming or showering, an insect can enter your ear canal, or in the case of children, small objects can be placed in the ear. These foreign bodies can result in severe pain. Prompt medical treatment and removal of these foreign bodies are necessary to avoid severe complications.
Causes
Some different causes of ear pain which are as follows:
- Water in the ear
- Foreign bodies in the ear
- Infections of the middle ear
- Injury to the tympanic membrane
- Due to ear blockage with excessive wax
Treatment
Management of ear pain is based on treating the underlying cause of the pain. Some treatments include:
- Over-the-counter drugs for pain management such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen
- Anti-bacterial ear drops in the case of bacterial infections
- Foreign bodies should be removed as soon as possible
- Glycerin ear drops if the pain is due to water in the ear
When there is ear pain due to excessive wax, a visit to a medical practitioner can help remove the wax. Your medical provider will remove this excessive wax with the help of a small instrument known as a curet or suction.
Also, ear wax can be softened, and therefore more easily removed by using olive oil, mineral oil, or even glycerin.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
Ear pain is widespread. You should visit a medical provider if there is severe ear pain. Immediate medical attention can prevent further damage and permanent auditory impairment.
Treatment for ear pain and wax removal is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.
For more information on ear pain and wax removal, see the following website:
https://www.afteroursinc.com/