What should you know about ear ache and headache?

Pressure from a blocked nose or inflamed sinuses can affect the Eustachian tube, the passage that helps equalise pressure behind the eardrum. Allergic rhinitis, a common cold or chronic sinusitis may therefore present with facial pressure, headache and ear fullness or pain.

Dehydration, heat exhaustion, a viral illness or jaw clenching can also cause head pain alongside ear discomfort. Ear ache and headache do not point to one diagnosis by themselves. The location, suddenness, severity, hearing, temperature and other symptoms help guide an examination.

Rest somewhere cool and drink fluids regularly. Saline nasal rinsing may ease congestion when used with safe water and clean equipment. Avoid inserting objects into the ear, forceful ear popping and loud noise while the ear is sore.

Use pain relief only if it is suitable for you and take it according to the label or a clinician’s advice. If jaw tension is present, choose softer foods briefly and notice whether clenching or chewing worsens the pain. Do not use leftover antibiotics.

Arrange medical advice for persistent or worsening pain, new hearing reduction, ear discharge, repeated dizziness, fever, facial swelling or symptoms after an injury. Seek urgent help for a sudden severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, fainting, new weakness, vision loss or severe swelling around the ear.

Seek earlier assessment if you are pregnant, recently dehydrated, immunocompromised or caring for a young child with unusual sleepiness or difficulty drinking. A clinician may examine the ear, nose, throat, jaw and neurological function.

Ask whether congestion, the ear canal, the eardrum, jaw tension or another issue best explains the symptoms, whether you need a hearing check, and which changes require urgent care.