Earache

An earache is pain in or around the ear. An earache can come from the ear itself or from nearby areas, like the throat, teeth, or jaw. Most earaches are mild and improve within a few days.

What Is It

Common causes include middle ear infections, swimmer’s ear, earwax buildup, and pressure changes from colds or flying. Pain can also spread to the ear from a sore throat, a tooth problem, or the jaw joint. Children get ear pain more often than adults.

Symptoms

Dull, sharp, or burning pain in the ear
Pain when chewing, swallowing, or touching the ear
A full or plugged feeling
Muffled hearing
Fluid draining from the ear
Fever, fussiness, or pulling at the ear in young children

Not sure what is causing it? Ear pain with fever after a cold is often an ear infection. Pain when the outer ear is pulled, after swimming, may be swimmer’s ear.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider looks inside the ear and checks the throat, teeth, and jaw. Treatment depends on the cause. Ear infections may need antibiotics or ear drops. Wax may need to be removed.

At home:

Use over the counter pain relievers as directed
Hold a warm cloth over the ear
Sleep with the head raised
Do not put cotton swabs or objects in the ear

Most earaches improve within 2 to 3 days.

When to Get Care for an Earache

Watch at Home

Mild ear pain with a cold that is improving
No fever and normal hearing

Come to Urgent Care Today

Ear pain lasting more than 2 days
Ear pain with fever
Fluid or pus draining from the ear
Ear pain in a child who is fussy or pulling at the ear
Muffled hearing that is not clearing

Go to the Emergency Department

Redness and swelling behind the ear that pushes the ear forward
Severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
Sudden hearing loss with severe dizziness
Weakness or drooping of one side of the face

FAQ

What causes an earache?

An earache is most often caused by a middle ear infection, swimmer’s ear, earwax, or pressure from a cold. Pain can also spread to the ear from the throat, teeth, or jaw.

How do you get rid of an earache fast?

To ease an earache fast, use over the counter pain relievers, hold a warm cloth over the ear, and sleep with your head raised. An infection may need treatment.

Why does my ear hurt when I swallow?

Ear pain when swallowing often comes from a sore throat, tonsillitis, or a middle ear infection, because the throat and ear share nerves and a small drainage tube.

Can an earache go away on its own?

Yes, many earaches go away on their own within 2 to 3 days, especially when caused by a cold. Ear pain with fever or drainage should be checked.

Can urgent care treat an earache?

Yes, urgent care can treat most earaches. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can look inside the ear, find the cause, and discuss treatment for adults and children. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is an earache an emergency?

An earache is an emergency when there is swelling behind the ear, a stiff neck, confusion, sudden hearing loss with severe dizziness, or weakness of the face.

Last reviewed October 2026