What should you know about sharp ear pain?

Earwax buildup may cause blockage, discomfort, or reduced hearing. A middle-ear infection can cause pain with fever, pressure, or recent cold symptoms. Sinusitis, tonsillitis, or a common cold can send pain toward the ear even when the ear canal is not the source. Pain after touching the outer ear or moving the jaw may point to a different problem. Ear pain itself does not identify one diagnosis.

Keep the ear dry and do not insert cotton buds, fingers, or objects into the canal. Use a suitable pain reliever only as directed on its label and avoid it if a clinician has told you not to take it. Arrange an examination if pain persists, recurs, affects hearing, or comes with discharge. Antibiotics are useful only for selected infections, so do not start leftover medicine.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling behind the ear, a new facial weakness, severe dizziness, sudden hearing loss, blood or pus from the ear, or a high fever with marked illness. Prompt assessment is also sensible after an injury or if a child is unusually sleepy, difficult to comfort, or not drinking.

Tell the clinician when the pain began, whether it is inside or on the outer ear, and whether chewing, swallowing, lying down, or touching changes it. Ask whether you need an ear examination, wax removal, or treatment for an infection.