Ear pain
Pain in the ear can be a consequence of otologic disease (primary or otogenic otalgia), or can arise from pathologic processes and structures other than the ear (secondary or referred otalgia).
Also called: Ear pain, Otalgia, Pain in the ear.
Conditions associated with ear pain
The following conditions have been associated with ear pain in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Dural sinus malformation with arteriovenous shunt
Dural sinus malformation with arteriovenous shunt is a medical condition that may be associated with various s...
Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
Infection or inflammation of the middle ear, common in children, causing ear pain, fever, and sometimes fluid ...
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Meningioma
Meningioma is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Otitis Media
Infection or inflammation of the middle ear, common in children, causing ear pain, fever, and sometimes hearin...
SUNCT syndrome
SUNCT syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Swimmer's Ear
An infection of the outer ear canal, often from water staying in the ear, causing itching, pain, and discharge...
Tests providers may use to investigate ear pain
When investigating ear pain, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside ear pain
Ear Discharge
Fluid draining from the ear, which can be a sign of an ear infection or eardrum perforation....
Ear Swelling
Swelling of the ear or surrounding area, which can be a sign of infection or injury....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Hearing Loss
A reduced ability to hear, which can be sudden or gradual and related to the ear, nerves, or aging....
Itchy Ear
Itching inside or around the ear, which can be caused by infection, dryness, or skin conditions....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if ear pain is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom ear pain mean?
Ear pain is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. Pain in the ear can be a consequence of otologic disease (primary or otogenic otalgia), or can arise from pathologic processes and structures other than the ear (secondary or referred otalgia).
Which conditions are associated with ear pain?
Ear pain has been reported in association with 7 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Dural sinus malformation with arteriovenous shunt, Ear Infection (Otitis Media), Glossopharyngeal neuralgia, Meningioma, Otitis Media. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about ear pain?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.