Ear paincan come on suddenly and cause a lot of anguish.
Adults can often name their symptoms of earache, like fever and pain.
Continue reading to learn more about symptoms and treatments for earache in adults and children.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
Rare Symptoms
Some ear infection symptoms are rare.
In adults, its uncommon for an ear infection to affect balance.
External otitis often triggers when water or irritating substances such as soap or shampoo get trapped in the ear.
In eustachian tube dysfunction, the channel that equalizes air pressure changes is blocked.
Fluid can build up behind the eardrum, causing pain.
A rapid change in air pressure can cause it (barotrauma).
The tube can also become blocked during colds, allergies, or due to growths.
Do not give aspirin to babies, children, or teens.
Still, serious complications can occur.
Theyre most common in young children.
In turn, that can lead todevelopmental delays, especially when it comes to speech and language development.
These delays are often temporary.
They can be treated withear tubesand early interventions likespeech therapy.
Ruptured Eardrum
Rarely, an infection can lead to aruptured eardrum.
Mastoiditis
Mastoiditisis a rare infection of the bone beneath and behind the ear.
Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatomais a growth in the ears that can lead to hearing loss.
It can happen when cells build up in the ear after repeat ear infections.
Labyrinthitis (Vertigo)
Labyrinthitisis an inflammation of the inner ear.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Earache?
A healthcare provider will consider your medical history and report of symptoms.
They will conduct a physical examination, including looking inside the ear with anotoscope.
Most conditions can be diagnosed with these methods alone.
Adults with an ear infection may experience pain and fever.
Ear infections are very common.
But in rare cases, they can cause serious complications.
Further treatment will be geared to address the underlying condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most earaches start improving within 48 hours.
If you or your child have symptoms that last longer than that, call your healthcare provider.
Ear infections are most common in babies and young children, but anyone can get them.
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