What should you know about intermittent sharp ear pain?

A Common Cold or Sinusitis can alter pressure around the ear. Middle Ear Infection may cause pain with fever, reduced hearing, or a feeling of fullness. Earwax Buildup can muffle hearing and create blockage, while Tonsillitis or jaw and throat irritation can send pain toward the ear even when the ear itself looks normal.

Note whether pain is inside the ear or around it, how long each stab lasts, and whether chewing, swallowing, touching the ear, flying, or lying down brings it on. Hearing change, discharge, fever, dizziness, and swelling are useful details.

Keep the ear dry and use a warm cloth against the outer ear if comfortable. Do not put cotton buds, oils, or other objects into the canal, and do not try to remove a suspected blockage yourself. Use pain relief only as directed and suitable for you.

Arrange an examination if pain keeps returning, hearing changes, or symptoms follow swimming, a cold, air travel, or an injury. Treatment depends on what is found; Antibiotic Treatment is not appropriate for every earache, and Ear Wax Removal should be done safely when wax is confirmed.

Seek urgent help for severe pain with swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, marked dizziness, sudden hearing loss, a serious head injury, or a very unwell appearance. Prompt care is also needed for blood or pus from the ear with fever.

Book a routine review for pain lasting beyond a short illness, repeated episodes, persistent blockage, or unexplained hearing loss. An ear examination can identify wax, inflammation, infection, or a referred source.

Does the ear canal or eardrum show wax, inflammation, or infection? Could my throat, teeth, jaw, or sinuses be referring pain? Is my hearing affected? What pain relief and ear-care steps are suitable for me?