Causes of Earaches

Earaches occur in both children and adults. In children, the cause is often a buildup of fluid and pressure in the middle ear, which is located behind the eardrum. This buildup of fluid can cause stuffiness, pain, hearing loss, and an ear infection.

Earaches are not always the result of ear infections, however. In fact, there are many other problems both within the ear itself as well as in other parts of the body that can result in ear pain.

Causes of earache within the ear itself

• Ear infection (middle ear or outer ear)
• Ear injury resulting from pressure changes
• An object stuck in the ear
• Impacted earwax
• Ruptured or perforated eardrum
• Ear canal irritation from cotton-tipped swabs
• Soap or shampoo staying in the ear
• Excess water from swimming or bathing

Causes of earache stemming from other parts of the body

• Arthritis of the jaw
• Sinus infection
• Sore throat
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
• Tooth infection

Though the causes of ear pain are many, the symptoms are often similar.