Ear Pain and Flu: What You Should Know

Flu can inflame the nose and throat. This swelling may stop the Eustachian tube from equalising pressure between the middle ear and the back of the nose. The result can be aching, pressure, muffled hearing, or a popping sensation, especially when you swallow. Congestion can also make pain from nearby sinuses or the throat feel as though it is coming from the ear.

A middle-ear infection is a possible complication after a respiratory illness. Most people with a middle-ear infection develop ear pain or pressure, and some have fever or reduced hearing. Earwax buildup can cause blockage and reduced hearing but does not explain every episode of pain. A clinician may need to look into the ear to distinguish these causes.

Rest, drink fluids, and follow the label directions for a suitable pain reliever if you can take it safely. Keeping your head raised while resting may ease pressure from congestion. Swallowing, yawning, or gently chewing can help the Eustachian tube open; do not forcefully blow your nose or try to pop the ear.

Keep water and objects out of the painful ear, and do not put cotton buds, oil, or unprescribed drops into it. Antibiotics do not treat flu itself and are only useful for some bacterial infections after a medical assessment. If blocked hearing continues after the flu improves, ask about earwax or another cause.

Arrange medical advice if ear pain is worsening, does not begin to settle as the flu symptoms improve, or is accompanied by ongoing fever, discharge, marked hearing loss, dizziness, or swelling around the ear. A clinician can examine the eardrum and check whether treatment is needed.

Seek urgent care for severe pain with a very unwell feeling, sudden hearing loss, new facial weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty, or swelling and redness behind the ear. Babies, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system may need earlier assessment when flu and ear symptoms occur together.

You could ask: Could congestion be causing the pressure, or is there an ear infection? Is the eardrum inflamed or blocked by wax? Which pain relief is suitable with my other medicines? What changes would mean I should return for another examination?