How is earache treated?

Pain may come from a middle-ear infection, swimmer's ear in the ear canal, wax pressing against the canal, or congestion linked with a common cold or sinusitis. Throat problems such as tonsillitis can sometimes be felt near the ear. A clinician may inspect the ear, ask about discharge, fever, hearing change, recent swimming, and pain when the outer ear is touched.

Treatment can include age-appropriate pain relief, keeping the ear dry, and managing nasal or throat symptoms. Ear drops or antibiotic treatment depend on what the examination shows; antibiotics do not treat every cause of earache.

Use pain relief only as directed on the label or by a clinician, considering your age, pregnancy, allergies, and other medicines. Keep water out of a painful ear and avoid inserting cotton buds, fingers, oils, or unprescribed drops. Arrange an assessment if pain persists, hearing changes, or symptoms follow swimming or a respiratory infection.

If wax is suspected, ask about safe softening treatment or professional ear wax removal. Do not try to remove a blockage with sharp objects.

Seek urgent advice for severe pain, swelling behind the ear, high fever, marked dizziness, new facial weakness, blood or pus from the ear, sudden hearing loss, or an object stuck in the ear. Children who seem very unwell, unusually sleepy, or difficult to settle should be assessed promptly.

Can you see an infection, wax, or another cause? Are drops suitable for me? Do I need antibiotic treatment, and what improvement should I expect? How should I protect the ear while it heals?