Ear pain

Ear pain

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Diagram of human ear anatomy, relevant to understanding ear pain.

Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, is a common condition characterized by a sensation of discomfort or acute pain in one or both ears. The pain can vary in intensity and can be a symptom of various underlying conditions.

Causes

Ear pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Otitis externa (external ear infection, also known as swimmer's ear)
• Sinus infections
• Changes in air pressure (barotrauma)
• Earwax buildup
• Foreign objects in the ear
• Dental issues

Symptoms

Symptoms accompanying ear pain may include:

• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Drainage from the ear
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ear pain typically involves:

• Physical examination of the ear
• Assessment of symptoms and medical history
• Audiological tests, if hearing loss is a concern

Treatment

Treatment for ear pain depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Pain relievers
• Warm compresses
• Ear drops
• Removal of foreign objects or earwax

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Avoiding insertion of objects into the ear
• Keeping ears dry and clean
• Regular dental check-ups
• Avoiding exposure to loud noises

External Links

• Mayo Clinic: Ear Pain
• ENT Health: Ear Pain

Ear pain Resources
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