In many individuals, temporary ear pain and discomfort may be triggered by
1 of 5
The earwax, also known as cerumen plays a protective role in safeguarding the ears from a host of harmful agents including microorganisms and dust or foreign particles. Under some conditions, there could be an abnormally elevated production of earwax by the ear canal which fails to move out of the ear. Over time, the excess earwax starts hardening, thereby causing a blockage in the ear. The blockage often triggers a moderate to an excruciating earache with hearing loss (often temporary). Be gentle and careful while cleaning the ear using an earbud. Being harsh could push the cerumen deeper inside complicating the things further.
Earache followed by blood and pus discharge could be an indication of
2 of 5
Rupture of the eardrum takes place when there is a tear or a perforation affecting the tympanic membrane. It is this remembrance that separates the outer ear canal from the middle ear. Acute ear infection, an injury suffered at the head, neck or ear region, inflammation of the eardrum are all known to play an instrumental role in rupturing the eardrum. Without timely medical assistance, ruptured eardrums can result in a permanent hearing loss. Listening to loud music (at an exceedingly high decibel) can also rupture the eardrums.
In some individuals, earache can surface due to
3 of 5
Though rare, an earache can also be a complication associated with some medical conditions such as Temporomandibular joint syndrome, Trigeminal neuralgia. TMJ is characterized by joint pain with restricted facial and jaw movement due to injury affecting the Temporomandibular joint (the joint that acts as a connecting bridge between the jaw and the temporal bones of the skull). Always be gentle or follow your dentist's advice while brushing the teeth. Vigorous brushing can trigger Trigeminal neuralgia.
The use of a hot or cold compress can alleviate an earache and inflammation considerably
4 of 5
In the case of an earache resulting from inflammation of the eardrum, the use of a warm compress or a cold compress may come as a great relief. For a warm compress, dip a towel in warm water, squeeze all the water out of it properly and then put it in the affected ear and the adjacent area (15-20 minutes). Alternately, a hot pad can also be used. In the case of a cold compress, just put some ice on a towel, wrap it well and gently press it against the affected ear (15-20 minutes). The use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (over the counter) can also provide some relief from an earache and inflammation.
The use of onion may aggravate an earache
5 of 5
Onion is laden with health benefits including their anti-inflammatory properties. Carefully heat the onion (you can microwave it for about a minute), collect the liquid or the juice out of it and then apply this onion juice as an eardrop (put few drops in the ear, let the person lie down for 8-10 minutes and then sit with the ear slightly tilted so that the liquid drains out). In spite of the effectiveness, consult a doctor before you try this at home.
Shield360 
Ask a Question
Book Appointment
Consult Online