What Are The Most Common Causes Of Earache?

Earache is a very common medical complaint for both adults and children. In many cases, it is caused by an infection that will clear up with time. On occasion, it may be a symptom of a more serious problem that needs further investigation. Here’s a look at the most common reasons for earache and what you can do about it. 

Ear wax build up

The ear naturally produces a waxy substance called cerumen, which is a type of semen designed to protect your ear canals and is commonly referred to as ear wax. Normally, this substance regulates itself and there is no need to remove it. 

In a healthy ear, this sebum combines with tiny hairs on the skin to trap unwanted small particles and prevent them from entering the ear drum. Most of the time, the ear maintains the right levels of wax to keep it functioning properly without any intervention. However, sometimes an excess of earwax can build up, causing a blockage in the ear canal.

Too much earwax can cause earache, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears known as tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and mild hearing loss. If left untreated, it may lead to the narrowing of the ear canals, inflammation of the ear canals, skin infections, and excessive hair growth.

It can be tempting to try and clean out your ears with a cotton bud. However this is dangerous, as it could push the wax further down the ear canal, leading to a worse blockage. The first step is to try and treat the problem with ear wax removal products, which are available to buy at a pharmacy.

These products are usually in the form of drops that are applied directly to the ear three times a day. If a course of treatment brings no relief, it is best to consult a nurse or doctor, who may arrange for the ear to be flushed out with water, a process referred to as irrigation. 

Infection of the ear canal

An inflammation of the ear canal is known by the medical term of otitis externa. In most cases, it is caused by an infection, although it can also be triggered by allergies such as eczema, and a buildup of earwax.  It can be brought on when water enters the ear canal, when you swim or wash your hair for example. 

Symptoms of otitis externa include earache, hearing difficulties, itchiness, enlarged gland in the neck, and ear discharge. The infection may clear up on its own, and it can also be treated with drops that you can buy from a pharmacist. If symptoms persist, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. 

A bad cold

If you have a heavy cold, your ears may feel painful due to the excess of mucus in your ear, nose and throat passages. The pain will ease once the cold begins to clear up. It can also be relieved by taking painkillers and using decongestants.