What should you know about cold and ear pain?

Congestion around the nose and throat can interfere with pressure drainage from the middle ear. This may cause popping, muffled hearing, or aching, especially when swallowing or lying down. A middle-ear infection can develop after a respiratory infection, particularly when pain becomes stronger or is paired with fever or fluid from the ear. Sinusitis, tonsillitis, earwax buildup, or pain referred from the jaw can have similar effects. Earache has several possible causes, so the ear usually needs examination before treatment is chosen.

Rest, drink fluids, and use a warm—not hot—compress against the outer ear. Keep water and cotton buds out of the ear canal. Ask a pharmacist about age-appropriate pain relief and nasal measures, especially for children, pregnancy, or other health conditions. Do not use leftover antibiotic drops or tablets; antibiotics are useful only for selected infections and should be prescribed when appropriate.

Seek urgent help for swelling behind the ear, a stiff neck, severe dizziness, facial weakness, sudden hearing loss, or a very unwell child. Arrange a medical review for severe pain, fever, pus or blood from the ear, worsening hearing, or symptoms that do not improve. Babies and people with diabetes or reduced immunity may need earlier advice.

Ask whether the eardrum looks inflamed, blocked, or damaged; whether hearing should be checked; and which pain relief is safe for you. If wax is suspected, ask whether ear wax removal is suitable rather than trying to dig it out yourself.