Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
Earache is common and often from an infection, wax or referred pain from the throat or teeth. Pain relief helps while it settles, and a few situations need a doctor.
Middle-ear infection (common in children, often after a cold)
Outer-ear infection (swimmer’s ear) — pain worse on tugging the ear
Ear wax build-up or a blocked ear
Referred pain from the throat, tonsils or teeth
Relief: paracetamol/ibuprofen; a warm compress
When to see a doctor urgently
Fluid or pus draining from the ear
Swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear (possible mastoiditis — urgent)
Severe pain, high fever, or a very unwell child
Sudden hearing loss or dizziness with the pain
Do not put objects (or oil) in the ear. Pain relief helps most earaches; never poke cotton buds or pour oil into the ear canal. Discharge, swelling behind the ear, or a very unwell child needs a doctor. MedDroid gives general information, not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What causes ear pain?
Common causes are middle- or outer-ear infections, wax build-up, and referred pain from the throat or teeth. Pain relief helps while it settles.
How do I relieve ear pain at home?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen (by weight for children) and a warm compress help. Do not insert cotton buds, objects or oil into the ear.
When should ear pain be checked?
With ear discharge, swelling behind the ear, severe pain or high fever, sudden hearing loss/dizziness, or in a very unwell child or young baby.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.