Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and OlderSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewEar problems may be caused by many different health
problems. In children, ear pain is more likely to be a symptom of an
inflammation, infection, or fluid buildup in the external or middle ear. But
ear pain at any age may be a symptom of: Ear problems caused by an injury to the ear can occur at any
age. Common injuries include the following: - A fall or a forceful, direct blow to the side of
the head can
burst the eardrum or damage the tiny bones in the
inner ear that send sound to the brain.
- An injury during contact sports can cause an injury, such as "cauliflower" ear from wrestling.
- Loud noises or explosions
can damage the eardrum (acoustic trauma).
- Atmospheric pressure changes (barotrauma) can cause
problems with the
eustachian tube and trap air in or keep air out of the
middle ear. Middle ear problems can be severe (for example, the eardrum can
burst or the middle ear can fill with blood or pus) or mild and only be felt as
changes in pressure.
- Cuts or scrapes may injure the outside of the
ear or ear canal. For more information, see the topic
Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear).
- Cleaning the ear canal too
often, too forcefully, or with a cotton swab, bobby pin, or sharp fingernail
can cause irritation or injury.
- Burns or frostbite can cause ear
injuries (thermal injuries).
- Objects placed in the ear can cause
injury to the ear canal or the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
Hearing loss often comes with age. As people get older, ear
problems are more likely to be related to: - Heredity. The age of onset and how quickly the
hearing loss progresses can often be determined by studying family members with
hearing loss.
- The buildup of
earwax. For more information, see the topic
Earwax.
- Exposure to loud noises, such as
setting off an air bag during a car crash, machines at work, power tools,
gunshots, or loud music.
- Other serious medical problems, such as
Ménière's disease or an
acoustic neuroma.
- Skin reaction
(dermatitis) on the outside of the ear or in the ear canal from perfume, hair
dye, or wearing hearing aids.
The ear shares nerves with other parts of the face, eyes, jaw,
teeth, and upper neck. Pain that feels as if it is in the ear may be coming
from another part of the head or neck. This is called
referred ear pain and is more common in older adults.
Causes of referred ear pain can include dental problems, jaw pain (temporomandibular disorder), salivary gland infection, or a
sinus infection. Check your
symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor. Check Your SymptomsDo you have an ear problem? This includes problems like pain, hearing loss, and possible infection. How old are you? Less than 12 years Less than 12 years 12 years or older 12 years or older Have you had a recent head injury? Do you have any new hearing loss? Was the hearing loss sudden and complete? Yes Sudden and complete hearing loss No Sudden and complete hearing loss Have you had an injury to your ear in the past week? The ear can be injured by a direct hit, a very loud noise (like a gunshot or firecracker), or an object being pushed into the ear. Is the vertigo making it hard to stand or walk? Is there any pain in the ear? How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine? 8 to 10: Severe pain Severe pain 5 to 7: Moderate pain Moderate pain 1 to 4: Mild pain Mild pain How long has the pain lasted? Less than 12 hours Pain for less than 12 hours 12 to 48 hours (2 full days) Pain for 12 to 48 hours More than 48 hours (2 days) Pain for more than 48 hours Do you think you may have a fever? Did you take your temperature? How high is the fever? The answer may depend on how you took the temperature. High: 104°F (40°C) or higher, oral High fever: 104°F (40°C) or higher, oral Moderate: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C), oral Moderate fever: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C), oral Mild: 100.3°F (37.9°C) or lower, oral Mild fever: 100.3°F (37.9°C) or lower, oral How high do you think the fever is? Moderate Feels fever is moderate Mild or low Feels fever is mild How long have you had a fever? Less than 2 days (48 hours) Fever for less than 2 days At least 2 days but less than 1 week Fever for at least 2 days but less than 1 week 1 week or more Fever for 1 week or more Do you have shaking chills or very heavy sweating? Shaking chills are a severe, intense form of shivering. Heavy sweating means that sweat is pouring off you or soaking through your clothes. Yes Shaking chills or heavy sweating No Shaking chills or heavy sweating Do you have a health problem or take medicine that weakens your immune system? Yes Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems No Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems Yes Symptoms of external ear infection No Symptoms of external ear infection Is there any drainage or bleeding from the ear? Yes Drainage or bleeding from ear No Drainage or bleeding from ear Do you think that a medicine may be causing your symptoms? Think about whether the symptoms started after you began using a new medicine or a higher dose of a medicine. Yes Medicine may be causing symptoms No Medicine may be causing symptoms Have you had any ear symptoms for more than a week? Yes Ear symptoms for more than 1 week No Ear symptoms for more than 1 week Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind
of care you may need. These include: - Your age. Babies and older
adults tend to get sicker quicker.
- Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart
disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care
sooner.
- Medicines you take. Certain
medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements can cause symptoms or make them
worse.
- Recent health events, such as surgery
or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them
more serious.
- Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug
use, sexual history, and travel.
Try Home TreatmentYou have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be
able to take care of this problem at home. - Try home treatment to relieve the
symptoms.
- Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any
concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect).
You may need care sooner.
Temperature varies a little depending on how you measure it.
For adults and children age 12 and older, these are the ranges for high,
moderate, and mild, according to how you took the temperature. Oral (by mouth) temperature - High:
104°F (40°C) and
higher
- Moderate:
100.4°F (38°C) to
103.9°F (39.9°C)
- Mild:
100.3°F (37.9°C) and
lower
A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. Ear or rectal temperature - High:
105°F (40.6°C) and
higher
- Moderate:
101.4°F (38.6°C) to
104.9°F (40.5°C)
- Mild:
101.3°F (38.5°C) and
lower
Armpit (axillary) temperature - High: 103°F (39.5°C) and higher
- Moderate:
99.4°F (37.4°C) to
102.9°F (39.4°C)
- Mild: 99.3°F (37.3°C) and lower
Symptoms of an external ear infection
may include: - Moderate to severe pain in the outer
ear.
- Pain with chewing.
- Redness and swelling of the ear, ear canal, or the skin around
or behind the ear.
Vertigo is the feeling that you or
your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. It may feel like
spinning, whirling, or tilting. Vertigo may make you sick to your stomach, and
you may have trouble standing, walking, or keeping your balance. Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and
illness. Some examples in adults are: - Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease,
and HIV/AIDS.
- Long-term alcohol and drug
problems.
- Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety
of conditions.
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for
cancer.
- Other medicines used to treat autoimmune
disease.
- Medicines taken after organ transplant.
- Not
having a spleen.
If you're not sure if a fever is high, moderate, or mild,
think about these issues: With a high fever: - You feel very hot.
- It is likely one of
the highest fevers you've ever had. High fevers are not that common, especially
in adults.
With a moderate fever: - You feel warm or hot.
- You know you have
a fever.
With a mild fever: - You may feel a little warm.
- You think
you might have a fever, but you're not sure.
Pain in adults and older children - Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain
is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and
can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
- Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your
normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days.
Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's
there.
- Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain,
but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.
Symptoms of a stroke may
include: - Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis
in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden,
severe headache that is different from past headaches.
Seek Care NowBased on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. - Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and
arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have
one, seek care in the next hour.
- You do not need to call an
ambulance unless:
- You cannot travel safely either by driving
yourself or by having someone else drive you.
- You are in an area
where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.
Seek Care TodayBased on your answers, you may need care soon. The
problem probably will not get better without medical care. - Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms
and arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't
have one, seek care today.
- If it is evening, watch the symptoms and
seek care in the morning.
- If the symptoms get worse, seek care
sooner.
Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical
care. - Make an appointment to see your doctor in the
next 1 to 2 weeks.
- If appropriate, try home treatment while you
are waiting for the appointment.
- If symptoms get worse or you have
any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.
Call 911 NowBased on your answers, you need
emergency care. Call911or other emergency services now. Head Injury, Age 4 and Older Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger Home TreatmentHome treatment may be all that is
needed to relieve minor or intermittent ear discomfort. - To ease ear pain, apply a warm washcloth. There may be some drainage from
the ear when the heat melts
earwax.
- Do not use a heating pad when you are in bed. You may fall asleep and burn yourself.
- Do not use a heating pad on
a child.
- Try an
ice or cold pack to reduce swelling from a minor injury or sunburn. Apply
for 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a day during the first 48 hours after the injury.
The sooner you apply a cold pack, the less swelling you are likely to have.
Place a cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Oral or nasal
decongestants may relieve ear pain, especially if the
pain is related to fluid behind the eardrum (otitis media with effusion). Avoid products that contain antihistamines, which tend to
cause more blockage, unless allergies seem to be the problem.
- Chewing gum may help relieve pressure changes
in the ear, such as when flying in an airplane.
- Try a
nonprescription earwax remover if your ear feels plugged but you do not have
obvious
signs of infection. Be sure to follow the label
directions carefully.
- Do not use ear candles. They have no proven benefit in the removal of earwax or the
treatment of other ear problems, and they can cause serious injury.
Medicine you can buy without a prescription| Try a nonprescription
medicine to help treat your fever or pain: |
|---|
| Safety tips| Be sure to follow these
safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine: |
|---|
- Carefully read and follow all directions
on the medicine bottle and box.
- Do not take more than the
recommended dose.
- Do not take a medicine if you have had an
allergic reaction to it in the past.
- If
you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take
it.
- If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other
than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.
| Symptoms to watch for during home treatmentCall your doctor if any of the following occur during home
treatment: - Pain develops or increases.
- Fever
or other
signs of ear infection develop.
- New or
different drainage from the ear develops.
- Other symptoms develop,
such as hearing loss or vertigo.
- Your symptoms become more severe
or frequent.
PreventionYou may be able to prevent ear
problems. - Teach your children to blow their noses gently.
Remember to do this yourself also.
- Keep soap and shampoo out of the
ear canal. These products can cause itching, which can be mistaken for an ear
infection because of the need to scratch or pull at the ears.
- Do
not put cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects (especially if they are
sharp) in the ear canal.
- Limit your contact with others who have
colds, when possible.
- Protect your ears from sunburn and frostbite.
- Apply sunscreen to your ears and wear a hat
that shades the ears in the summer.
- Wear a hat that covers the ears
in the winter.
- Limit or avoid exposure to loud noises such as
music, power tools, gunshots, and industrial machinery.
- Wear
protective earplugs or earmuffs if you can't avoid loud noises.
- Avoid the prolonged use of earplugs. They
can cause irritation, itching, and can plug the ear with wax.
- Do
not use wadded-up tissue or cotton balls. These do not protect adequately
against loud noises (especially the more dangerous high frequencies) and they
may become lodged in the ear canal.
- Avoid exposing children to cigarette smoke, which
is linked with more frequent ear infections. If you smoke and are unable to
stop, smoke outside, away from children.
- Stop smoking. Smoking
irritates the mucous membranes that line the nose, sinuses, and lungs, and it
may contribute to inflammation or infection of the ear. See the topic
Quitting Smoking.
- If ear pain appears to
be related to a problem with your jaw, see the topic
Temporomandibular (TM) Disorders for tips on relaxing
the muscles in this area.
- Take good care of your teeth. Daily
brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups, helps prevent tooth
decay, infections, and other dental problems that can lead to referred ear
pain.
- If you wear hearing aids, be sure to follow the
manufacturer's recommendations carefully for cleaning and storing
them.
- For tips on how to prevent swimmer's ear, see the topic
Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear).
Preparing For Your AppointmentTo prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment. You can help your
doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the
following questions: - Do you have ear pain?
- When did the pain start?
- What
were you doing when the pain started?
- Does the pain come from the
inside or the outside of your ear?
- Has the pain been constant, or
does it come and go?
- Does anything make the pain better or
worse?
- Have you ever had this type of ear problem before?
If yes, what was the diagnosis and how was it treated?
- What other
symptoms do you have? Do you have a fever, runny nose, cough, congestion, or
jaw discomfort?
- Do you suspect a hearing problem? Be prepared to
describe your symptoms.
- Do you have hearing loss or ringing in the
ears (tinnitus)?
- Does your hearing problem
affect just one ear or both ears?
- Do you use hearing aids?
- Have you had a
recent injury to the ear?
- Do you have any other symptoms in your
eye, teeth, jaw, facial muscles, or neck that might suggest
referred pain?
- Do you have drainage from
the ear? If yes, what does it look and smell like?
- Have you had
problems with earaches or ear infections in the past?
- Have you been
swimming or had other recent exposure to water, such as through surfing,
kayaking, or scuba diving?
- Do you regularly use a hot tub or home
spa?
- Have you recently traveled by plane?
- What home
treatment measures have you used? Be sure to include nonprescription and
prescription medicines you have tried.
- Do you have any
health risks?
CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Current as ofApril 7, 2017 Current as of:
April 7, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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