Why does a common cold cause earache?

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps equalise pressure. During a cold, swelling and mucus around its opening can stop it working freely. The eardrum may then feel stretched or pulled, causing aching, fullness, popping, muffled hearing, or discomfort during swallowing and blowing the nose.

Earache is a common presentation of Common Cold, but an earache can also arise from an ear infection, dental problem, jaw joint irritation, or another cause. Fluid behind the eardrum can occur after a viral illness and does not by itself show that antibiotics are needed.

Drink fluids and rest. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing may ease pressure for some people. Gentle nose blowing is preferable to forceful blowing, which can make pressure feel sharper. A warm cloth held against the outer ear may be comforting; keep it warm rather than hot.

Use pain relief only as directed on the pack or by a clinician, and ask a pharmacist about suitability if you are pregnant, have ulcers, kidney disease, take blood-thinning medicine, or are choosing medicine for a child. Do not put drops, oils, or objects into the ear unless a clinician has advised it.

Seek urgent care for swelling or redness behind the ear, a severe headache with a stiff neck, marked drowsiness, facial weakness, or sudden severe illness. Get medical advice promptly for ear discharge, new hearing loss, severe or escalating pain, dizziness, or symptoms that fail to settle after the cold. A child who is unusually irritable, hard to wake, feeding poorly, or has ear pain should be assessed without delay.

Ask whether the eardrum looks inflamed or whether there is fluid behind it. Tell the clinician about discharge, hearing changes, previous ear surgery, recent flying or diving, and any medicines already used for pain or congestion.