The ear has three sections that are very small and include the outer, middle, and inner ear. The ear has two major functions including hearing and balance. All sections of the ear work together to allow individuals to hear and have balance. The ear drum is the most delicate part of the ear. Since the ear structure is so small it is not uncommon for bother children and adults to experience earaches.
The different sections of the ear will cause different symptoms when there is an earache. This allows doctors to know what part of the ear is affected. For example, swelling, hearing loss, pain, itching, and discharge from the ear mean the otitis externa is affected. Mild ear pain is usually due to an infection in the otitis media and other symptoms that may accompany it include hearing loss and fever. Infants frequently suffer from earaches because their Eustachian tubes are so small. They may be irritable, have diarrhea, and not eat well.
The main causes of earache are infection of the otitis media or otitis externa. Swimmer’s ear is the infection of otitis externa. Infection of the eardrum and middle ear is otitis media. Children and infants frequently suffer from this type of ear infection. There are other causes of earache, too, including an infection of the throat, mouth or nose, jaw bone injury, ear disease, wax buildup, ear fungus, or even an insect being lodged in the ear canal.
There are many remedies for earaches that can help take the pain away. For example, pouring a bit of garlic juice in the affected ear will help fight the infection because garlic juice has antibiotic qualities. If an earache results from altitude then yawning or chewing gum may take care of it. Those individuals prone to swimmer’s ear should pour mineral oil in their ears before swimming to help protect them from possible infection. Applying a heat pad to the affected ear can also help as well as a couple drops of hydrogen peroxide.
Another suggestion is to add vitamin C supplements to your diet. Doing this will help you strengthen your immune system, which in turn will help you fight off the infection. Adding zinc and Echinacea is also recommended as it will help you fight the infection.
There are many prescription ear drops, too, that can help take the pain away. Some will numb the eardrum to help reduce the pain. This is exceptionally helpful for children who can’t handle the pain well.