Ear pain (otalgia) is a common complaint for adults and is seen even more often in children. It is important for the cause of ear pain to be uncovered, because this symptom can be due to many conditions ranging from mild to very serious.

Pain presenting in the ear can have a direct cause or be due to referred pain from another area that radiates to the ear. Some of the more common direct causes of ear pain include:

• Middle-ear infections
• Swimmer’s ear (outer-ear infection)
• An infected cyst
• Pressure, often from flying or diving
• Trauma
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• A foreign object lodged in the ear canal

Indirect causes include:

• Dental problems
• TMJ disorder
• Cranial neuralgias
• Sinus problems
• Temporal arteritis
• Osteoarthritis in the jaw

Treatment for ear pain depends on the cause. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are often prescribed along with pain relievers. For more serious problems, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician may need to be consulted. At times, procedures such as surgery or injections are needed.

Many causes which result in ear pain may be difficult to prevent. However, it is important to take precautions in loud environments, such as concerts, and to keep objects out of the ear canal, including cotton swabs.