Ear pain

Ear pain[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Symptoms accompanying ear pain may include:

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

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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