How to treat earache
When to contact WellBN
Please fill out a klinik form if you or your child have:
- earache that does not start to get better after 3 days
- lots of ear infections
- Symptoms are severe or last more than two weeks
- Unilateral sudden complete loss of hearing
- More widespread headache, fever or systemic symptoms
When to seek urgent help
Ask for an urgent appointment or get help from NHS 111 immediately if:
You have symptoms of an ear infection and:
- you’ve become generally unwell
- you have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- there’s swelling around the ear
- fluid is coming out of the ear
- your hearing has changed or you have hearing loss
- you feel sick or are sick (vomit), feel dizzy or have a severe sore throat
- your child is under 2 and has earache in both ears
- you have diabetes, a heart, lung, kidney or neurological condition
- you have a weakened immune system (for example, because of chemotherapy)
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Trauma
Look for the possible cause:
- Is there a chance of a foreign body lodged in the ear canal?
- Are you using ear buds that have scratched your ear?
- Has this pain started after being exposed to high volume, music concert, High pressure eg.Scuba diving?
Eczema
Ezczema is itching within the ear canal or scally skin in the ear canal.
We recommend you read all about ear eczema here.
Treatment:
Avoid harsh soaps and keep your ear moisturised as this forms a protective barrier and avoids you introducing bacteria into the ear canal when you scratch it.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are very common, particularly in children. You do not always need to see a GP for an ear infection as they often get better on their own within 3 days.
Check if it’s an ear infection
The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:
- pain inside the ear (earache)
- a high temperature
- difficulty hearing
- discharge running out of the ear
- a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
- itching and irritation in and around the ear
- scaly skin in and around the ear
Young children and babies with an ear infection may also:
- rub or pull their ear
- not react to some sounds
- be irritable or restless
- be off their food
- keep losing their balance
Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.
If you, or your child, have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
There are things you can do to help ease any pain and discomfort from an ear infection.
Treatment
-
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin)
-
remove any discharge by wiping the ear with cotton wool
Do NOT
-
do not put anything inside your ear to remove earwax, such as cotton buds or your finger
-
do not let water or shampoo get in your ear
-
do not go swimming while you have an ear infection
-
do not use decongestants or antihistamines – there’s no evidence they help with ear infections
Your pharmacist may be able to help
If you are aged 1-17 years you can now be treated under the NHS in the consultation room at the pharmacy under the NEW Pharmacy First Service.
Infection of the external ear canal
Otitis Externa
Symptoms
- Infection of the external ear canal, from the opening of your ear to the Ear drum.
- This can also be called swimmers ear.
- There can be an itchy sensation
- Discoloured offensive discharge or puss,
- Muffled hearing
- Pain
Treatment
- Keep your ear dry
- Take regular analgesia either paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Most ear infections will clear in three to 7 days.
- If your symptoms persist you may need antibiotic ear spray
- You may be asked to attend the surgery to have a swab taken to confirm the diagnosis and target the correct treatment.
- If you notice your ear canal opening is closing you may need to be seen in A and E for specialist treatment.
Infection of the middle ear
Otitis Media
Often after a cold, virus or sore throat.
Symptoms
- There will be muffled hearing with cracking or popping sensations,
- Pain from the base of the ear running down the neck/Jaw area.
Treatment
- Take regular analgesia paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Avoid aggravating symptoms like going out in the cold, wind or rain.
- The infection usually will clear on its own without antibiotics within 3-7 days.
- You may benefit from using an Otovent, a nasal balloon to encourage your estuation tubes to open and clear the away the fluid in the middle ear.
Eustachian Tubes Dysfunction (ETD)
Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between your middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part of the ear behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed except for when you chew, swallow, or yawn. These passageways are small in size and can get plugged for a variety of reasons.
Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Such a phenomenon is referred to as ETD.
ETD is a relatively common condition. Depending on the cause, it may resolve on its own or through simple at-home treatment measures. Severe or recurring cases may require a visit to the doctor.
Symptoms
- Fullness in the ears
- Feeling like your ears are “plugged”
- Changes to your hearing
- Ringing in the ear, also known as tinnitus
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Ticklish feelings in the ears
- Pain, without discharge
Treatment
- Using a saline nasal spray to help clean out passageways
- Inhaling steam with menthol
- Decompress with otovent – available to buy from your pharmacy
- Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine can be bought from your pharmacy if you have allergy symptoms causing ear problems
- Pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen (with food) can alleviate pain in your ears
- Breathing out with your nostrils and mouth closed
Mastoiditis
This is an infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear.
Symptoms
- pain, soreness or tenderness behind the ear.
- redness behind the ear (this can be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- swelling behind the ear, which can cause it to stick
- a high temperature
Treatment
Often Mastoiditis is a very serious infection requiring specialist assessment in the A and E department.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial Resistance happens when disease-causing microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to the medicines we typically use to kill or control them. These medicines include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. These medicines are used to prevent or treat illnesses.
The process of microorganisms becoming resistant is a naturally occurring phenomenon and not only a healthcare concern. However, from a healthcare perspective, there are several factors that could speed up the process:
1. Incorrect use of antimicrobial medications.
2. Lax infection prevention and control measures.
3. A shortage or absence of newly developed antimicrobial drugs.
4. Inadequate global monitoring of infection rates.
It’s important to understand AMR to ensure appropriate usage of medication and for continued effectiveness in treating and preventing diseases.