You might think that earaches usually just happen to your young ones but the fact is, it can happen to you too. An earache may occur in both ears at once, but most of the time, the pain will only be in one ear.
A mild earache can happen if you are suffering from colds. But there are also times when the cause of pain in your ear is because of an ongoing infection. Since there may be a lot of reasons why you might be suffering pain in your ear, it is best to consult a physician to find out why. If you want a fast and convenient diagnosis, you can find online doctors who are licensed, board-certified, and capable to deliver your primary care needs.
Getting help from a medical expert is the best thing you can do if you have an ongoing earache, especially if the pain is severe. But also knowing about what ails you will help you understand what you are experiencing and will help you avoid needless panic.
Here are some reasons why you might be having an earache right now:
- Middle Ear Infection
Otitis media is the term used to refer to the infection in the middle ear. The middle ear is the part after your eardrum. The pain may be caused by a build-up of fluids behind the eardrum which in turn inflames it. Respiratory tract infections and viruses from colds and flu can cause middle ear infections through the Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tube is the part that connects the eardrum through the back of the nose and throat. Once an infection starts, the tubes start to inflame. If the fluids can’t be drained through the Eustachian tubes, this causes build-up behind the eardrums and consequently, pain in your middle ear.
2. Outer Ear Infection
An outer ear infection is also commonly known as swimmer’s ear. Another medical term for this is otitis externa. The reason behind the name is because outer ear infection is caused by water residue in your ear after bathing or swimming. The moisture build-up becomes a conducive environment for bacteria to thrive. Once the outer ear is irritated or wounded, a bacterial infection can start. The infection can also be caused by yeast or fungus. People with psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis are also more prone to this.
3. Ear Congestion
This happens when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked. People with congested ears can usually feel pressure in their ears, muffled hearing, and pain. Influenza, cold, sinusitis, irritants such as smoke and allergens, can also trigger this.
4. Foreign object
Children are usually prone to foreign objects being stuck in the ear. However, adults can also experience this. There are times when insects or objects like pebbles, seeds, or stones accidentally enter your ear. The foreign object may cause bleeding, extreme pain, or worse, loss of hearing. Insects are more dangerous especially if they are still alive when they get stuck inside your ear. If you are not careful, they tend to even enter deep into the ear canal. When this happens, contact a doctor immediately or visit a walk in clinic Guelph for first aid and treatment.
5. Earwax
Earwax is part of your body’s ear protection. The wax usually clears out naturally. However, sometimes, earwax build-up can happen which can cause ear pain. A person suffering from earwax build up can feel difficulty in hearing, earache, dizziness, itchiness, or sounds or tones coming from inside their ears. Using your fingers or cotton buds to get rid of your earwax will usually push it further into your ear canal. Avoid cleaning your ears with your fingers or with cotton buds.
6. Tinnitus
Worldwide, tinnitus affects around 20% of people. You have tinnitus if you are hearing internal sounds in one or both of your ears. It is often associated with hearing loss, ageing, or overexposure to loud sounds. People of any age can get this, but it is often experienced by the elderly. Sometimes, tinnitus comes with an earache, and since it is often a symptom of an underlying condition, going to the doctor for diagnosis is highly recommended.
7. Air pressure
Have you ever experienced earache when travelling on an airplane? Ear congestion while travelling on a plane is very possible. This is because air travel can cause a drastic change in air pressure during landing and take off. This then puts pressure on your eardrum and middle ear. It can easily be relieved if you yawn or chew gum or sweats. Yawning and chewing will readjust the pressure in your ears.
These are just seven reasons why your ear might be aching. If you are feeling pain in one or both of your ears, you must seek a medical professional. If you have a family doctor, consult him or her immediately to find out why you are having an earache. The sooner you get it treated the less likely it’s going to fall into worse conditions. Read more about symptoms of tinnitus.