Ear Pain
Ear pain (otalgia) has many causes — from infections to sinus pressure. Learn common triggers, when urgent care can help, and warning signs in children and adults.
Possible causes
Ear pain can originate in the ear or be referred from nearby structures. Common causes include:
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
- Swimmer's ear (outer ear infection / otitis externa)
- Fluid behind the eardrum (otitis media with effusion)
- Sinus infection or congestion
- Sore throat or strep throat
- TMJ (jaw joint) problems
- Earwax buildup or foreign body (especially in children)
Commonly associated symptoms
Ear pain may occur with:
- Fever
- Hearing changes or muffled hearing
- Drainage from the ear
- Congestion or sore throat
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Fussiness, poor sleep, or tugging at the ear (in children)
When urgent care may be appropriate
When urgent care may help: Consider evaluation for significant ear pain, fever with ear symptoms, drainage, hearing changes, or symptoms lasting more than 24–48 hours.
Pediatric ear pain: Ear infections are common in young children who may not describe pain clearly. Tugging at ears, fussiness, fever, and poor feeding are clues. NeuMed pediatric urgent care treats children 6 months and older.
Exam and diagnosis: A provider examines the ear canal and eardrum to distinguish middle ear infection, swimmer's ear, and other causes.
Treatment depends on cause: Antibiotics may be prescribed for certain bacterial infections; other cases need ear drops, pain relief, or watchful waiting.
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency care for:
Sudden hearing loss
Severe dizziness with vomiting
Swelling or redness behind the ear
Stiff neck with fever and severe headache
Facial weakness or drooping
Object stuck in the ear that cannot be safely removed
FAQs
What causes ear pain?
Ear pain can come from ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum, swimmer's ear (outer ear infection), sinus pressure, sore throat, or jaw problems. Evaluation helps identify the cause.
Should I go to urgent care for ear pain?
Consider urgent care for significant ear pain, fever with ear symptoms, drainage from the ear, or pain lasting more than a day or two — especially in children.
Related conditions
Related symptoms
Related services
- Ear Infection From earaches to swimmers ear, we're here to treat diagnose and treat your ear pain. Walk in or make an appointment online to visit your nearest NeuMed to get relief, fast.
- Pediatric Urgent Care When your child is sick or injured, every minute feels like an hour. At NeuMed Modern Urgent Care + IV Therapy, we understand that you need fast, compassionate care without the chaos of the emergency room. Our pediatric urgent care services combine the efficiency of modern medicine with the warmth your little one deser
- On-Site Lab Services Strep throat? Urinary Tract Infection? Pregnant? We'll put your mind at ease by giving you a test in our on-site lab. We'll also give you choices for treatment or, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.
Related health guides
-
Ear Infection vs Swimmer's Ear
Middle ear vs outer ear infections — symptoms and care differ.
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How Do You Know If Your Child Has an Ear Infection?
Pediatric signs, when to seek care, and what to expect.
-
Can Urgent Care Treat an Ear Infection?
Walk-in ear evaluation and treatment at NeuMed Houston.
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Ear Pain Without an Infection: Possible Causes
When ear pain comes from something other than infection.
-
When Does Ear Pain Need Medical Attention?
Red flags, pediatric guidance, and urgent care vs ER.
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Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Comprehensive guide to ear infection symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
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