Ear Pain

Ear pain can indicate an ear infection, swimmer’s ear, or other problems, like a build-up of earwax. Get an accurate assessment of your ear pain at EMC Express Care in North Richland Hills, Texas. Luke Kehres, MD, and an experienced team of providers thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and treat your ear pain so you get relief. Call today to book an appointment or walk in if you or a loved one has bothersome ear pain.

What causes ear pain?

Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common include the following:

• Middle ear infection
• Swimmer’s ear
• Earwax buildup
• Changes in air pressure
• Sinus infections
• Dental problems
• TMJ, or temporomandibular joint pain

Sometimes ear pain has nothing to do with ear pain at all. It may be referred pain from conditions affecting nearby structures, like the throat or jaw.

When should I seek medical help for ear pain?

You should be concerned about ear pain if it is:

• Severe, persistent, or gets worse with time
• Accompanied by drainage of fluid and pus
• Occurring with hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Associated with facial numbness or weakness

Ear pain that occurs along with symptoms like fever, severe headache or fever is also of concern. If you have any of these symptoms, call EMC Express Care to schedule a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

How can I ease mild ear pain at home?

For mild ear pain due to wax buildup or swimmer’s ear, Dr. Kehres recommends:

• Application of a warm compress for 15-20 minutes several times a day
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Over-the-counter ear drops designed for mild ear pain

Home treatments only address symptoms of ear pain and don’t usually address the underlying cause. If your ear pain worsens, despite your home care attempts, make an appointment to see Dr. Kehres.

How can I prevent ear infections in children?

To reduce the risk of ear infections in children:

• Wash your hands (and your child’s hands) regularly to minimize the spread of germs.
• Ensure that your child is current with recommended vaccinations
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Breastfeed infants if possible — breast milk provides essential antibodies that can help protect against infections.
• Limit the use of pacifiers, especially after six months of age

If your child experiences regular ear infections or ear pain, contact EMC Express Care. They can treat your child or refer you to a trusted specialist in the area. 

Call today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment to have ear pain evaluated.