What to do for an earache

An earache feels like a persistent discomfort or sharp pain within the ear, often accompanied by a sense of pressure, fullness, or throbbing. It might cause temporary hearing changes or mild dizziness. Relieving ear pressure involves addressing its underlying causes and using appropriate methods, some of which include:

• Swallowing or yawning: Chewing gum, sucking on candy, or yawning helps equalize pressure.

• Valsalva maneuver: Gently blowing air while pinching the nose and closing the mouth can open the Eustachian tube.

• Nasal decongestants: Over-the-counter nasal sprays or oral decongestants can reduce congestion.

• Warm compress: Applying a warm, damp cloth to the affected ear can alleviate discomfort.

• Hydration: Drinking fluids helps thin mucus and promotes Eustachian tube function.

• Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help clear nasal passages.

• Saline nasal rinse: Using a saline solution can rinse out mucus and reduce congestion.

• Ear drops: Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften earwax for removal.

• Avoid smoking: Smoking can worsen congestion and contribute to ear pressure.

• Rest and recovery: Getting adequate rest and treating underlying infections is crucial.

• Medical evaluation: If ear pressure is severe, persistent, or accompanied by pain, consult a Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group primary care provider.

What are the symptoms of an earache?

• Ear pain

• Ear discomfort

• Reduced hearing

• Ear drainage

• Fever

• Irritability

• Sleep disturbances

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Headache

• Balance issues

What are the causes of earaches?

• Ear infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (swimmer's ear), can lead to inflammation and pain.

• Sinus infections: Infections or congestion in the sinuses can create pressure changes that affect the ears and cause discomfort.

• Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and cause pressure, leading to pain.

• Foreign objects: Inserting foreign objects into the ear canal can result in irritation and pain.

• Changes in air pressure: Rapid changes in altitude, such as during air travel or scuba diving, can affect ear pressure and cause pain.

• Cold or respiratory infections: Upper respiratory infections can lead to congestion and affect the Eustachian tube, causing ear pain.

• Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation in the ears and contribute to earache.

• Teething: In infants and toddlers, teething can cause referred pain to the ears.

• Jaw or dental issues: Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or dental issues can radiate pain to the ears.

• Trauma: Injury to the ear, head, or jaw can result in ear pain.

• Water exposure: Water entering the ear during swimming or bathing can lead to moisture-related infections.

• Throat infections: Infections in the throat can sometimes spread to the ears and cause discomfort.

• Tinnitus: Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears can lead to a sensation of earache.

How can I treat an earache at home?

Treating an earache at home involves a combination of remedies to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Here's how you can treat an earache at home:

• Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage instructions.

• Warm compress: Apply a warm, moist cloth or a warm water bottle wrapped in a thin towel to the affected ear. The gentle heat can help soothe pain and improve blood circulation.

• Ear drops: Use over-the-counter ear drops specifically designed for ear pain relief. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package.

• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps keep mucus thin and promotes drainage, which can alleviate ear pressure.

• Elevate your head: Prop up your head with pillows while sleeping to help reduce pressure in the ear and ease discomfort.

• Rest and relaxation: Getting enough rest supports your body's natural healing processes and can help you recover more quickly.

• Avoid irritants: Stay away from irritants like cigarette smoke and strong fumes, as they can worsen the condition.

• Chew or yawn: Chewing gum or yawning can help open the Eustachian tube and equalize pressure, which might provide relief.

• Nasal saline rinse: Using a saline solution or nasal spray can help clear congestion in the nasal passages and Eustachian tube.

• Garlic oil: Some people find relief from earache by using warm garlic oil. Consult a healthcare professional before trying this remedy.

• Keep ear dry: If the earache is due to swimmer's ear or water exposure, make sure to keep the affected ear dry to prevent further irritation.

• Warm olive oil: Gently warm a small amount of olive oil and put a few drops into the ear. Avoid using this method if you suspect a perforated eardrum or if you're uncertain about its safety.

• Avoid inserting objects: Never insert objects like cotton swabs or bobby pins into the ear, as this can cause injury or push debris further into the ear canal.

• Time and patience: Many earaches improve on their own as the body heals. Give it time, and monitor your symptoms.

How to use a warm compress to relieve an earache

Using a warm compress can help relieve the discomfort associated with an earache. Here's how to use a warm compress effectively:

• Gather supplies:

  • Clean, soft cloth or towel

  • Warm water (not too hot to touch)

  • Sealable plastic bag or hot water bottle

• Soak the cloth or towel in warm water. Wring out excess water so that the cloth is damp but not dripping.

• Test the temperature of the compress on the inside of your wrist to ensure it's comfortably warm and not too hot.

• Fold the damp cloth or towel into a manageable size that covers the outer ear.

• Gently place the warm compress over the affected ear. Ensure it covers the entire outer ear and extends slightly onto the surrounding skin.

• Hold the compress in place for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can use your hand to gently press it against the ear, or you can use a light scarf or headband to secure it.

• Relax and repeat:

  • Sit or lie down in a comfortable position while using the warm compress. After the recommended time, remove the compress and give your ear a break.

  • You can repeat the warm compress treatment a few times a day, as needed, to help alleviate pain and promote relaxation.

How to prevent ear infections

• Practice good hygiene:

  • Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

  • Keep your ears clean, but avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal.

• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, as it can irritate the respiratory tract and increase the risk of infections.

• Ensure that you and your family members are up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, as some vaccines protect against infections that can lead to ear problems.

• If you have allergies, manage them effectively to reduce congestion and the potential for ear infections.

• After swimming or bathing, ensure that water is not trapped in the ears. Use a towel or tilt your head to help drain water.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises, as excessive noise can damage the delicate structures in the ear.

• If possible, breastfeed infants, as breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect against infections.

• When feeding infants, try to keep them in an upright position to prevent milk from entering the Eustachian tubes.

• Regularly visit your health care provider for check-ups and address any underlying health conditions that could contribute to ear infections.

• Treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections promptly to minimize the risk of complications that can lead to ear infections.

• Avoid sharing items like earphones or headphones, as this can spread germs and increase the risk of infections.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support your immune system's ability to fight infections.

• When feeding infants with bottles, avoid propping the bottle, as it can lead to milk pooling in the ear.

• Ensure that children have regular check-ups with a pediatrician to monitor their overall health and address any concerns.

How to prevent swimmer’s ear

Preventing swimmer's ear involves taking measures to keep water out of the ear canal and maintaining proper ear hygiene. Here's how to prevent swimmer's ear:

• Wear swimmer's earplugs made of silicone or wax to keep water from entering the ear canal while swimming or bathing.

• After swimming or showering, gently tilt your head to each side to help water drain from the ears. Use a clean, dry towel to gently dry the outer ear.

• When swimming in pools, consider wearing a swim cap to prevent water from entering the ears.

• Never insert cotton swabs, fingers, or any other objects into the ear canal. This can push water deeper and increase the risk of infection.

• After water exposure, use over-the-counter alcohol-based ear drops or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol to help dry out the ear canal.

• Avoid swimming in dirty or contaminated water, as it can introduce bacteria into the ears.

• If you're prone to swimmer's ear, consider using a hairdryer on the lowest setting to gently dry the ears after water exposure.

• If you're prone to ear infections, try to minimize prolonged submersion or underwater activities.

• Avoid scratching or itching the ears, as it can damage the skin and create openings for infection.

• If you use earbuds or headphones, keep them clean to prevent introducing bacteria into the ear.

• If advised by a health care professional, you can use preventive ear drops before swimming to create a barrier against water.

• Swim in clean, well-maintained pools, and avoid swimming in areas with high bacterial counts or pollution.

• If you notice any signs of swimmer's ear, such as itching, redness, or discomfort, seek medical attention promptly to prevent the infection from worsening.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of sound in the ears or head that does not come from an external source. Commonly referred to as "ringing in the ears," tinnitus can manifest as various sounds, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or whistling. These sounds can be continuous or intermittent and vary in volume and intensity.

Tinnitus is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. It can result from various factors, including:

• Exposure to loud noise: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as music concerts or workplace machinery, can damage the sensitive cells of the inner ear and lead to tinnitus.

• Age-related hearing loss: As people age, the sensory cells in the inner ear can naturally deteriorate, leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.

• Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and affect sound perception, leading to tinnitus.

• Ear infections: Infections or inflammation in the ear can disrupt normal auditory processing and cause tinnitus.

• Changes in ear or blood flow: Conditions like Meniere's disease, high blood pressure, or turbulent blood flow near the ears can result in tinnitus.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as high doses of aspirin, antibiotics, or diuretics, can contribute to tinnitus as a side effect.

• Head and neck injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can impact the auditory system and lead to tinnitus.

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the jaw joint can affect the structures near the ear and lead to tinnitus.

• Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms or make them more noticeable.

• Underlying health conditions: Tinnitus can be associated with conditions like acoustic neuroma, otosclerosis, or other neurological disorders.

While tinnitus itself is not usually a sign of a serious medical problem, it can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, causing distress, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Management strategies for tinnitus include addressing underlying causes, managing stress, using hearing aids, using noise-masking devices, and cognitive behavioral therapy. If you experience persistent or bothersome tinnitus, schedule an appointment with a Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group primary care provider for proper evaluation and guidance.