Head and ear pain: what to know

A blocked or painful ear may reflect earwax buildup, irritation, or a middle-ear infection. A cold or sinusitis can create pressure around the forehead, cheeks and ears because swollen passages affect drainage. Throat inflammation, including tonsillitis, can send pain toward the ear even when the ear itself is healthy. Jaw clenching and neck tension can also cause pain felt near the temple or ear.

Ear pain may come with muffled hearing, fullness, ringing, nasal congestion, sore throat or fever. The pattern, side affected and speed of onset help a clinician distinguish these possibilities.

Rest, drink fluids and use a warm compress against the painful area. Saline nasal rinses may ease congestion when pressure accompanies a cold, provided the water and equipment are suitable for nasal use. Follow the label for any pain medicine and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, treating a child, or taking other medicines.

Do not put cotton buds, oils or objects into the ear, and do not try to remove a suspected blockage yourself. Antibiotics are not suitable for every cause; a clinician should decide whether they are needed.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for severe pain, new hearing loss, fluid or blood from the ear, swelling behind the ear, repeated vomiting, or symptoms that are getting worse. Seek urgent help for a severe headache with confusion, fainting, weakness, a stiff neck, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Ask what area is causing the pain, whether your ear needs examination, and which symptom-relief options fit your health history. Ask how long to monitor symptoms and what change should trigger a review.