What are the causes of frequent ear pain?
February 2, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Gerald Reimann
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Selma Meier and I have been suffering from frequent earaches for some time now. It is really distressing for me to be constantly confronted with this unpleasant pain, and I am worried that it could be a serious problem.
The pain usually occurs suddenly and can affect either the right or left ear. It is often described as a stabbing pain or pressure in the ear, sometimes accompanied by a dull sensation or slight ringing in the ear. The pain can occur both during the day and at night, significantly affecting my quality of life.
I have already tried to relieve the pain with painkillers, but it keeps coming back. Therefore, I would like to know what causes frequent earaches and if there are possible solutions to treat them long term. Are there specific conditions or complaints that can lead to frequent earaches? And what measures can I take to alleviate or prevent the pain?
I hope that with your expertise and experience, you can help me find a solution for my recurring earaches. Thank you in advance for your support!
Best regards,
Selma Meier
Dear Selma Meier,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ear, nose, and throat specialist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from frequent ear pain and that it is significantly impacting your life. Ear pain can indeed be very distressing, and it is important to identify the causes in order to find appropriate treatment.
There are a variety of reasons for frequent ear pain. One of the most common causes is inflammation of the outer or middle ear, which can be caused by an infection. Otitis externa (swimmer's ear) and otitis media (middle ear infection) are two common inflammations that can lead to ear pain. Another possible cause of ear pain is a blockage of the ear canal by earwax, water, or a foreign object.
Other conditions such as sinus inflammation, temporomandibular joint inflammation, or even dental problems can also lead to ear pain. Additionally, stress, jaw joint issues, or muscular tension in the neck and shoulder area can cause or exacerbate ear pain.
To treat the pain in the long term, it is important to pinpoint the exact cause. I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a thorough examination. The doctor will examine your ears, possibly conduct a hearing test, and initiate further diagnostic measures such as endoscopy or imaging if necessary.
Based on the diagnosis, the doctor will recommend an individualized treatment strategy. This may include administering medications such as antibiotics for an infection, removing earwax or other blockages, physical therapy for muscular tension, or even recommending relaxation exercises for stress-related issues.
In addition to medical treatment, there are measures you can take to alleviate or prevent the pain. These include avoiding loud noises, wearing ear protection when necessary, drying your ears after swimming or showering, avoiding Q-tips for ear cleaning, and avoiding tobacco smoke, which can exacerbate ear irritation.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you can find a solution for your ear pain soon. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your ENT specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Best regards,
Gerald Reimann
