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- Sharp ear pain commonly results from an infection or a temporary change in air pressure or altitude. In other cases, it may stem from TMD or a foreign object lodged in the ear.
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Mar 25, 2023 · If you’re experiencing this kind of pain, it’s important to understand the causes and seek treatment if necessary. In this article, we’ll outline the most common causes of sharp ear pain and highlight the best treatment options so you can get back to living a life unafflicted by it.
- Overview
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Home remedies
- Prevention
- When to see a doctor
- Summary
Causes of sharp pain in the ear include pressure changes and infections. Often, they are not harmful, but some may need medical treatment.
The medical name for ear pain is “otalgia.” If the pain comes from within the ear, doctors call it primary otalgia. If it originates outside the ear, the term is secondary otalgia.
Below are some causes of a sharp pain in the ear. The pain may result from one or a combination of these factors.
Each ear contains a narrow tube called a eustachian tube. It helps regulate the pressure inside the ear so that it matches the air pressure outside, enabling the eardrum to function properly.
Sometimes there is an imbalance in pressure, which may result from a blocked eustachian tube or a change in air pressure or altitude.
External pressure changes can cause a type of temporary ear damage called ear barotrauma. The symptoms can include:
•a feeling of pressure within the ear
•a sharp or dull pain in the ear
Depending on the cause of the ear pain, a person may also experience:
•a loss of hearing
•tinnitus, which involves perceiving noises that come from inside the ear
•a loss of balance
•vertigo
•facial nerve paralysis
Over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) may help in the short term.
Otherwise, the best course of action depends on the cause and severity of the pain.
Recovery from an ear infection is usually spontaneous, so treatment is not always necessary. However, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is bacterial.
A doctor will work to establish the cause of TMD, and they may then recommend one or more of the following:
•a prescription for stronger pain medication
•a referral to a dentist, if an issue such as teeth grinding or an incorrect bite is responsible
Over-the-counter pain relief medication can help ease minor to moderate ear pain and discomfort.
Also, holding a warm or cool compress against their ear may help alleviate the pain.
Ear infections are often responsible for a sharp pain in the ears, and these infections can be tricky to prevent. However, it can help to:
•not probe the ears with Q-tips or fingers
•prevent water and shampoo from entering the ears when showering or bathing
•use earplugs or a swimming cap when swimming
•treat eczema and other skin conditions
•treat any allergies to materials in hearing aids, if a person wears them
Sharp ear pain may resolve on its own. But if the pain is severe or the ear is bleeding, the person needs immediate medical care.
If someone experiences any of the following, they should consult a doctor:
•an earache that persists for more than 3 days
•recurrent ear infections
•swelling around the ear
•fluid draining from the ear
Sharp ear pain commonly results from an infection or a temporary change in air pressure or altitude. In other cases, it may stem from TMD or a foreign object lodged in the ear.
The pain, though unpleasant, may be no cause for concern and resolve without treatment.
Aug 7, 2017 · Find out the causes of having a sharp pain in your ear, including helpful natural home remedies to soothe a shooting or stabbing earache.
- The most obvious causes of mild to sharp pain in your ears are conditions that occur in your ear canal.
- It would be a mistake to think that all types of ear pain, even if the earache is severe, are caused by an infection in the ear. There are other ca...
- Many home remedies are helpful for relieving sharp pain in your ears and also help to get rid of their associated symptoms.
Health A to Z. Earache and ear pain is common, particularly in young children. It can be painful, but is not usually a sign of anything serious. How long earache lasts. It depends on what's causing it. Most earaches in children are caused by an ear infection, which usually start to improve after a few days.
Oct 10, 2024 · Ear pain (an earache) is a symptom of many health conditions. It could point to an underlying issue. Or it might mean you have an ear infection. “Otalgia” (oh-TAL-gee-uh) is the medical name for ear pain. This pain might be dull, sharp, mild or severe. Some people have ear pain that comes and goes. Most of the time, ear pain isn’t dangerous.
Mar 13, 2023 · Ear pain can arise gradually or all of a sudden. The pain can feel dull, sharp, or burning, and can be temporary or ongoing.
Jul 27, 2023 · There are many causes of earache but the most common cause is infection. This often clears up on its own without any treatment. However, if it is not getting better or if there are other more serious symptoms, clinical help might be needed. The ear is involved in hearing and balance.
