Persistent earaches – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Ear Infections: Chronic ear infections, including middle ear infections (otitis media) or outer ear infections (otitis externa), can cause persistent ear pain.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the jaw joint can cause pain that radiates to the ear.
• Sinus Infections: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause referred pain in the ears.
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Problems with the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat can lead to ear pain and pressure.
• Referred Pain: Pain from other areas, like the throat, jaw, or teeth, can sometimes be felt in the ear.
• Earwax Buildup: Impacted earwax can cause pressure and pain in the ear.
• Foreign Object: A foreign object lodged in the ear canal can cause pain and discomfort.
• Tumors: Although less common, tumors in the ear canal or surrounding areas can cause ear pain.

Diagnosis:

• Physical Exam: Examining the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope.
• Patient History: Gathering information about the onset, duration, nature of the ear pain, any other symptoms, and relevant medical history.
• Tympanometry: A test that measures how well the eardrum is moving.
• Audiogram: A hearing test to assess hearing.
• Imaging: CT scans or MRIs may be used in some cases to visualize the ear and surrounding structures.

Treatment:

• Ear Infections: Antibiotics are typically prescribed for bacterial ear infections.
• TMJ Disorders: Treatment may include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, or a mouthguard.
• Sinus Infections: Decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and sometimes ear tubes may be recommended.
• Referred Pain: Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
• Earwax Removal: Earwax can be removed by a healthcare professional using special instruments.
• Foreign Object Removal: A healthcare professional can remove a foreign object from the ear canal.
• Tumors: Treatment will depend on the type and location of the tumor and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Important Considerations:

• Consult a healthcare professional for any persistent earache, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like hearing loss, drainage from the ear, fever, or dizziness.
• Do not attempt to self-treat ear pain without consulting a doctor. Putting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal can sometimes worsen the problem.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.