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Ear and hearing
Ear Pain (Otalgia)
Short answer: Ear pain may come from the ear itself or from teeth, jaw or throat. Persistent pain or associated symptoms need examination.
What is this?
Ear pain may come from the ear itself or from teeth, jaw or throat. Persistent pain or associated symptoms need examination. People often look this up because conversation, sleep, school, work or breathing has become harder. The lists on this page describe patterns. They are not a checklist that proves a cause. A similar complaint can come from more than one place, which is why an examination matters. An ENT clinician may inspect the ear canal and eardrum. Depending on symptoms, hearing tests or middle-ear tests may be considered; not everyone needs every test. If you are travelling from elsewhere in Bihar, from Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, or from Nepal for a planned visit, confirm the day’s clinic by phone or WhatsApp before you start. Sudden or dangerous symptoms should be handled by a local emergency service, not by a message to the clinic.
This page cannot tell you which medicine to take, what dose to use, or whether an operation is required. It does not replace examination by a qualified clinician. Symptoms alone cannot confirm a diagnosis.
Common symptoms
- Sharp or dull pain, tenderness, fever, discharge, hearing change or pain chewing.
Possible causes
These are possibilities clinicians consider. Having one of them does not prove it is the cause.
- Ear infection, wax, injury, jaw joint or dental/throat problems are possible.
Practical care
- Do not insert cotton buds, pins, oil or unprescribed drops. Keep the ear dry if there is discharge or a possible eardrum problem. Avoid loud sound and note when symptoms began.
When to arrange an ENT visit
- Arrange an ENT visit if symptoms persist, recur, worsen or affect hearing, sleep, speech, swallowing or daily activities.
- The clinician will decide whether tests are needed after examination.
Seek urgent care for these signs
- Severe pain with swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, severe dizziness or a very unwell child needs urgent care.
Call Pal ENT Clinic for these signs. If you cannot reach the clinic, go to a nearby hospital. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply.
What may happen at the clinic
An ENT clinician may inspect the ear canal and eardrum. Depending on symptoms, hearing tests or middle-ear tests may be considered; not everyone needs every test.
Questions worth asking
- What are the likely explanations in my case, and what would make you think otherwise?
- Is a hearing test, endoscopy or scan needed now, or only if the examination suggests it?
- What can I safely do at home, and which warning signs mean I should seek emergency care?
Questions patients ask
Can I put oil or cotton buds in the ear?
No. Avoid inserting objects or unprescribed liquids. Ear symptoms should be assessed before drops are used, especially if the eardrum may be damaged.
Do I need an antibiotic?
Not automatically. Many ear, nose and throat infections settle without antibiotics. A clinician decides after examining you. This website does not recommend doses.
Can I send reports on WhatsApp?
Send your name and the type of enquiry only. Do not send symptom details, photographs of reports, or medical records on WhatsApp unless the clinic has agreed a secure method. The website does not store this form.
Related reading
Sources
General educational information only; not a diagnosis or personalised treatment plan. A qualified clinician must review this draft before publication.
For a non-emergency in-person assessment, contact Pal ENT Clinic & Research Centre to ask about appointment availability. Do not use WhatsApp for emergency symptoms.