Are you suffering from Otalgia?
Otalgia is a medical condition that describes earache or pain in the ear. It can affect both adults and children. While the complete cause of otalgia is unknown, it is thought that it may be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, trauma, allergies, overuse of earbuds, tumors, cancers, and dental disease/TMJ dysfunction.
If you experience earache, it is important to consult your doctor about your symptoms and the possible causes. Your doctor may need to take a look inside your ear with an otoscope or perform a hearing test. Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, ear drops, or removal of an obstruction, such as earwax.
Common symptoms of otalgia include:
• Loud ringing in the ear
• Ear pain
• Dizziness
• Fullness or pressure in the ear
• Hearing loss
• Itchiness or drainage from the ear
In some cases, otalgia can be prevented. You can help reduce your risk of developing earache by:
• Wearing earplugs when you swim
• Avoiding earbuds and other objects that insert into the ear
• Cleaning your ears gently with a cotton swab
• Avoiding loud noises, such as loud music
If you are suffering from otalgia, don’t ignore the pain. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about what you can do to relieve the pain and prevent it from coming back.
