If you’re suffering from ear pain and haven’t found relief, you may be wondering if it’s time to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. An ENT specialist diagnoses and treats conditions including chronic infections, disorders affecting balance, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, severe allergies, sleep apnea, pain, and more. When it comes to ear pain, when is the right time to see a specialist?
What are common causes of ear pain?
Ear pain can occur from various causes, including:
- Ear infection. This is the most common cause of ear pain.
- The accumulation of earwax. Continuous production of earwax can result in itching, pain, discharge, or infection.
- Changes in air pressure. As experienced during airplane flights or elevator rides, can also induce temporary ear pain.
- Swimmer’s ear is another culprit, occurring when water becomes trapped in the outer ear, paving the way for infection.
It’s important to note that children are more prone to experiencing ear pain and infections compared to adults.
What are the types of ear infections?
There are two types of ear infections. Treatments can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection.
- Outer ear infection. Identifying an outer ear infection is straightforward, as the symptoms are visible to you. You might experience symptoms like an itchy rash, leading to swelling, tenderness, and eventually, pain.
- Middle ear infection. In the case of middle ear infections, they arise from fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, causing it to bulge outward and resulting in ear pain. Termed otitis media, this is the most common cause of ear pain.
Ear pain can also result from inflammation rather than infection in the inner ear. This type of inflammation may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and ear pain.
When should you visit an ENT clinic for ear pain?
While over-the-counter pain medications can provide relief for many causes of ear pain, it’s important to note that they only alleviate the pain and do not address the underlying infection or inflammation. If the pain returns, it may be time to see an ENT specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Don’t delay seeking medical care if you develop a high fever, drowsiness, a stiff neck, or vomiting.
The sooner you see a specialist, the sooner you will feel better. Contact an ENT specialist if you are suffering from ear pain and can’t find relief.