Symptoms

Ear aches are a common occurrence in our lives. Ear aches may be caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, infection of the middle ear, build-up of ear wax or fluid, something stuck in the ear, teeth problems, ear injuries or changes in air pressure.

Since the ear is divided into three distinct sections--the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear—the symptoms of ear ache differ depending on which section of the ear is problematic. Otitis externa and otitis media are the two problems related to the ear.

Otitis externa is the skin infection of the ear canal. It is known in layman's term as swimmer's ear because it usually occurs after swimming. Its symptoms include mild itching, pain, swelling, thick discharge from the ear and hearing loss.

Otitis media, a common condition in children and infants, is the infection of the middle ear and eardrum. Its symptoms include mild pain in the ear, fever, hearing loss and occasional discharge from the ears. Infants with otitis media may show symptoms such as diarrhea, irritability, poor feeding and persistent crying.

Other symptoms associated with an ear ache are pressure or a plugged feeling in the ear (a feeling of fullness inside the ear) and tinnitus, a ringing tone that comes and goes or does not go away at all.