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Can earache be caused by a problem outside the ear?

earache can be caused by a problem outside the ear. This is known as a secondary earache or referred pain. An earache in adults is often caused by a referred pain from another area of the head, such as the teeth, throat or jaw, or the neck. Rather than being felt in the affected area, the pain instead feels like an earache.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is earache?

An earache is pain in one or both ears that may be short-term or ongoing. The type of pain can differ from person to person, but it is often described as a sharp, a dull or burning sensation. Although earache can occur in anyone, it is most common in children up until the …

What are the symptoms of earache?

Apart from pain in one or both ears, other symptoms that often occur with earache include: Fever; A general feeling of being unwell; A blocked or runny nose; Mild hearing loss, and; Discharge of fluid from the ear. In young children and babies who …

What causes earache?

Common causes of earache include middle ear infections, earwax, build-up of sticky fluid, or damage to the ear drum or canal. In other cases, pain from another area of the face or head may be felt as an earache. This is known as 'referred pain'.

Who develops earaches?

Although earache can occur in anyone, it is more common in babies and children up until the first year of school.

How is earache diagnosed?

Earache is usually diagnosed from the physical symptoms and an internal ear observation using an otoscope. From this examination, your doctor may be able to see signs of infection such as: a bulging eardrum that looks red or cloudy; fluid, blood or pus behind the …

How is earache treated?

Treatment options for earache differ from person to person depending on the level of pain and cause of symptoms. Most earaches pass within 2-3 days without any specific treatment. If an earache remains after 48 hours, and a middle ear infection is thought to be the …

What can be done at home to treat earache?

During the initial monitoring period, some home-care measures to relieve earache could include applying a warm compress to the affected ear, resting in an upright position (rather than lying down), and chewing to reduce the pressure. …

Is earache contagious?

An earache is not contagious. However, the viruses and bacteria that often cause the underlying middle ear infection can pass from person to person. These are spread by the droplets of fluid from sneezes or coughs of infected people.

What is the outlook for earache?

Most earaches pass in 2-3 days without the need for any treatment and, in many cases, the cause is never determined. Some children get a number of earaches, but most outgrow them without any further issues.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Outer ear infections

An outer ear infection, or otitis externa, is inflammation and swelling of the skin that lines the ear canal between the opening of the ear and the eardrum. It is characterised by pain and itching in the ear, temporary hearing loss and a discharge of smelly yellow-green pus.…
Diseases & conditions

Middle ear infections

A middle ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, occurs when fluid trapped behind the eardrum becomes infected with a virus or bacteria, causing an earache, fever, temporary hearing loss and unwellness. In young children symptoms can also include loss of balance, reduced hunger, disrupted sleep, and behavioural problems.…
Diseases & conditions

Earwax

Earwax is an oily substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It is important for protecting the ear canal. It is usually harmless, however if it causes problems due to an excessive build-up, it can easily be treated.…
Diseases & conditions

Hearing loss

Hearing loss is the partial or complete loss of hearing in either one or both ears. This can occur suddenly in some cases, but typically it tends to develop gradually. Noise exposure accumulates over a lifetime, such that repeated exposure to loud noises increases the level of hearing loss experienced.…
Diseases & conditions

Common childhood illnesses

Children have a developing immune system that predisposes to them getting more infections than adults. This constant exposure to new illnesses is necessary and important and helps to build a child's immune system and better equips them to fend off infection as they grow older.…
Diseases & conditions

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is often thought of as a ringing in the ears, but it describes any abnormal noise that seems to be coming from inside the ears or head. In addition to ringing noises, it may involve humming, whistling, buzzing, hissing or roaring sounds. Tinnitus is a symptom of another medical issue, rather than being a condition on its own. For example, it can result from a build-up of earwax, a middle …

About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 40 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Outer ear infections

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