Direct Causes

Possible Treatments

Acute otitis media (middle- ear infection)

Antibiotics, antifungals, analgesics

Acute otitis externa (swimmer’s ear)

Cleaning the ear canal, antiseptic or antibacterial ear drops, oral antibiotics, analgesic, keeping ear dry for several weeks, treatment for any underlying skin conditions

Malignant otitis externa (severe infection of the ear and skull)

Consultation with ear specialist, who may recommend extended antibiotics or surgery; glucose control in diabetic patients

Barotraumas (eardrum stretched from pressure changes)

Equalizing pressure in eustachian tube, nasal decongestants, antihistamines; severe cases may require surgery

Infected cyst in the ear canal

Oral antibiotics; cyst may require draining

Foreign bodies

Removal of foreign object

Injury

Ice pack (cryotherapy), analgesic, antibiotic ear drops; consult with ear specialist for serious trauma

Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)

Removal of earwax,  medications (e.g., antidepressants, seizure drugs, vasodilators), cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback,   acupuncture, hearing aids, sound therapy, TMJ treatment

Cancer (usually skin cancer – squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma)

Biopsy possibly followed by surgery and radiation therapy

Indirect Causes

Possible Treatments

TMJ disorder

Heat (thermotherapy), analgesic, diet, injection therapy

Dental problems

Analgesic; referral to a dentist

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis

Treatment of pharyngitis; analgesic as directed by a physician after tonsillectomy

Sinusitis

Nasal exam, sinus x-rays or CAT scan to confirm diagnosis; antibiotics

Ramsay Hunt syndrome

Corticosteroids, antivirals

Cancer of the pharynx or larynx

Consultation with specialist, possibly followed by evaluation of upper airway and biopsy