Earache is quite common and does not usually signify anything serious. The duration of the pain varies depending on the cause. The pain can range from mild and tolerable to severe and unbearable. It may be sharp, dull, throbbing or constant. The site of the pain may be the outer ear, ear canal or deep inside the ear.

• Ear pressure: Some people with earaches may experience a sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.
• Ear discharge: In some cases, people may have discharge or fluid draining from the ear. The colour and consistency of the discharge can help determine the underlying cause.
• Hearing loss: This can occur with certain painful ear conditions, especially if here is a build-up of ear wax or an object is lodged in the ear canal. Hearing loss can also occur with a perforated eardrum, such as after an accident or exposure to a very loud noise.
• Pain when swallowing: Sore throats and tonsillitis can sometimes present with ear pain together with pain on swallowing.
• Toothache: tooth pain can accompany ear pain-when children are teething, or when there is a dental infection such as an abscess, there may also be ear pain
• Fever: Ear infections can be accompanied by a fever. Fever is often a sign of an infection.
• Irritability: In infants and young children, ear pain may lead to increased crying, fussiness and difficulty sleeping. They may pull or tug at their ears.
• Balance issues: Ear conditions affecting the inner ear, such as vestibular disorders may lead to dizziness or balance problems.

• Ear infections: Pharmacists can recommend the most appropriate pain relief options. In children most earaches are caused by an infection, which starts to resolve after a few days.
• Earwax build-up: This is a common cause of earaches. Our pharmacists can recommend safe earwax removal products and techniques. Selected pharmacies also offer mechanical ear wax removal (micro-suction).
• Swimmer’s ear: Water trapped in the ear canal can lead to discomfort. Our pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter drying drops and earplugs.
• Injury or trauma: Minor injuries or trauma to the outer ear can result in pain. Our pharmacists can recommend appropriate pain relief and wound care products.

Other causes include foreign objects in the ear, trauma or injury to the ear, colds or flu, sinus infections, tonsillitis or sore throat, flying, allergies and dental issues that radiate pain to the ear.