Ear
Ear pain
Ear pain is common, especially in children, and is most often caused by an ear infection or referred pain from the throat, usually settling within a few days.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of ear pain and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is ear pain?
Ear pain, or earache, is a frequent complaint, particularly in young children, and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, intense pain. It often comes from an infection in the middle or outer ear, but it can also be referred pain, meaning the discomfort is felt in the ear but actually comes from somewhere nearby such as the throat, teeth or jaw.
- Get urgent help: Swelling, redness or tenderness of the bone just behind the ear, especially if the ear is pushed forward, can mean a serious infection called mastoiditis — seek urgent care. Severe ear pain with a very high temperature and feeling very unwell needs urgent assessment.
- Self-care: For mild earache, especially the kind that follows a cold, simple measures often help while the body clears the infection.
About ear pain
Ear pain, or earache, is a frequent complaint, particularly in young children, and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, intense pain. It often comes from an infection in the middle or outer ear, but it can also be referred pain, meaning the discomfort is felt in the ear but actually comes from somewhere nearby such as the throat, teeth or jaw. Many cases follow a cold and settle by themselves within a few days as the underlying infection clears. Earache can be accompanied by a reduced sense of hearing, a feeling of fullness, or fluid draining from the ear. Most earache is not serious, but certain features, such as swelling and tenderness of the bone behind the ear, a high temperature with severe pain, or facial weakness, can point to a more serious infection that needs urgent attention. Knowing these warning signs helps you decide when home care is enough and when to seek help.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if ear pain comes with any of these warning signs:
- Swelling, redness or tenderness of the bone just behind the ear, especially if the ear is pushed forward, can mean a serious infection called mastoiditis — seek urgent care.
- Severe ear pain with a very high temperature and feeling very unwell needs urgent assessment.
- Weakness or drooping of the face on the same side as the earache needs urgent medical attention.
- A severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of light, or becoming drowsy or confused with ear pain needs emergency assessment.
- Ear pain after an injury, or with sudden hearing loss or discharge of fluid or blood, needs prompt assessment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if earache lasts more than about three days, is severe, or keeps coming back, or if there is fluid or pus draining from the ear. Seek advice if your child is very unwell, off their food, or pulling at their ear with a high temperature, or if an adult has hearing loss, dizziness or ringing in the ear alongside the pain. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should have ear infections assessed promptly, as these can sometimes become more serious. A doctor can examine the ear, identify the cause, and advise on whether any treatment is needed.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of ear pain
Ear pain has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
For mild earache, especially the kind that follows a cold, simple measures often help while the body clears the infection. Resting, keeping warm, and holding a warm flannel against the affected ear can ease discomfort. Try to keep the ear dry and avoid poking anything inside it, including cotton buds, as this can cause damage or worsen an outer ear infection. Staying upright rather than lying flat can sometimes reduce the pressure and pain. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief and whether any over-the-counter ear treatments are appropriate. Most earache settles within a few days. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by warning signs, seek medical advice rather than waiting it out.
Answers
Ear pain: frequently asked questions
How long does earache usually last?
Earache that follows a cold often settles within a few days as the infection clears. If it lasts longer than about three days, is severe, or keeps returning, see a doctor for assessment.
Can a sore throat cause ear pain?
Yes. Because the throat and ear share nerve pathways, throat infections such as tonsillitis can refer pain to the ear, particularly when swallowing. Treating the throat problem usually eases the ear pain.
Is it safe to clean inside the ear when it hurts?
It is best not to put anything inside the ear, including cotton buds, as this can damage the ear canal or worsen an infection. Keep the ear dry and seek advice if there is pain, discharge or a blockage.
When is earache an emergency?
Seek urgent help if there is swelling or tenderness of the bone behind the ear, facial weakness, a very high temperature with severe pain, or signs such as a stiff neck or drowsiness. These can indicate a serious infection.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Otitis media — acute.
- Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
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