Earache is the result of infection in the ear area. The middle of the ear is normally filled with air. But during a cold, fluid or mucus gets accumulated in the middle ear and may get infected by bacteria, which leads to ear pain. Even infections that affect the ear nerves can be a cause for earache. There are quite a number of reasons for the earache to occur, and all the symptoms have to be dealt with prompt care.

Some of the most common causes of earache are blockage in the ear tube (Eustachian tube), tooth infection such as abscessed teeth, objects stuck in ear, damage to the eardrum, sinusitis, earwax, arthritis, ear injury, tonsillitis and pharyngtis.

Earache is very common medical problem for both children and adults. The 2 most common conditions that cause earache are infection of the outer ear (otitis externa) and infection of the middle ear (otitis media).

Otitis media is serious because of the severe earache and hearing loss it is capable of creating. Hearing loss, especially in children, may impair learning capacity and even delay speech development. However, if it is treated promptly and effectively, hearing can almost always be restored to normal.

Otitis media is also serious because the infection can spread to nearby structures in the head, especially the mastoid. Thus, it is very important to recognize the symptoms (see list) of otitis media and to get immediate attention from your doctor.

The 2 common causes of otitis externa are trapped moisture and minor injury to the ear canal. Otitis media is caused by bacteria growing in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It often follows a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. There are other risk factors identified with increased frequency of otitis media.

Otitis media means inflammation of the middle ear.

The inflammation occurs as a result of a middle ear infection. It can occur in one or both ears. Otitis media is the most frequent diagnosis recorded for children who visit physicians for illness. It is also the most common cause of hearing loss in children.