Earaches are one of the most common reasons parents bring their children to the doctor. While ear pain can be caused by several conditions, the most frequent cause in children is an ear infection. Understanding the signs, what causes earaches in children, and how to treat and prevent them can bring much-needed relief to both child and parent.
At ENT Sinus Hearing Care Center in New Jersey, we specialize in pediatric ear, nose, and throat conditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about earaches in children, including symptoms, causes, remedies, and treatments.
What Are the Symptoms of Earaches in Children?
Identifying earaches in children, especially in infants and toddlers who can’t communicate clearly, can be challenging. Watch for these common signs:
- Crying more than usual, especially when lying down
- Tugging or pulling at one or both ears
- Trouble sleeping
- Fever (usually in the case of an infection)
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Hearing difficulties or unresponsiveness to sound
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Irritability and restlessness
Younger children may simply be fussy, clingy, or unwilling to eat due to discomfort while swallowing.
Common Causes of Earaches in Children
Understanding what’s causing your child’s earache is key to proper treatment. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
The most common reason for earaches in children is a middle ear infection, which occurs when the area behind the eardrum becomes inflamed due to bacteria or viruses. This often follows a cold or respiratory infection.
2. Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, commonly caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. This moist environment allows bacteria to grow and causes pain, especially when the outer ear is touched.
3. Earwax Blockage
Excessive earwax can build up and harden, creating pressure and discomfort. Children with narrow ear canals may be more prone to this.
4. Teething or Jaw Pain
Referred pain from teething or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues can cause discomfort that feels like it’s in the ear.
5. Changes in Air Pressure
Traveling by plane or changes in elevation can cause temporary earaches due to pressure differences between the inner and outer ear.
Home Remedies and Soothing Tips
Mild earaches not caused by infection may improve with simple home care. Always consult your pediatrician before trying any remedies.
1. Warm Compress
Apply a warm washcloth to the affected ear for 10–15 minutes to relieve pain.
2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce pain and fever. Use as directed based on your child’s age and weight.
3. Hydration and Rest
Keeping your child hydrated and well-rested helps the body fight infection and ease discomfort.
4. Elevated Sleeping Position
If your child is over 1 year old, propping up their head slightly with an extra pillow may ease pressure in the ear.
Note: Avoid inserting cotton swabs, oils, or drops into your child’s ear without medical guidance.
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a visit with an ENT or pediatrician if your child:
- Has a fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Shows signs of severe pain or distress
- Has discharge coming from the ear
- Experienced hearing loss or balance problems
- Has symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
- Has recurrent ear infections (3 or more in 6 months)
Timely medical evaluation is important to prevent complications like hearing loss or eardrum perforation.
Medical Treatment for Earaches in Children
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the earache:
1. Antibiotics
Bacterial ear infections may be treated with a course of antibiotics. However, many doctors follow a “wait and see” approach for 48–72 hours, especially for mild cases, since many infections clear up on their own.
2. Ear Drops
Prescription ear drops may be used for swimmer’s ear or pain relief, particularly if the eardrum is intact.
3. Earwax Removal
If earwax is causing the pain, your doctor may flush the ear or use special tools to remove the buildup.
4. Surgical Options
Children with chronic ear infections may benefit from ear tube surgery (myringotomy). This involves inserting tiny tubes into the eardrum to allow fluid to drain and prevent further infections.
At ENT Sinus Hearing Care Center, we offer expert diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs.
Preventing Earaches in Children
While not all earaches can be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk:
- Keep your child up to date on vaccinations (especially the flu and pneumococcal vaccines)
- Breastfeed infants to boost their immune system (if possible)
- Avoid bottle-feeding while lying down, which can lead to fluid entering the middle ear
- Practice good hygiene to prevent respiratory infections
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of infections
Long-Term Outlook
Most earaches are short-lived and resolve with treatment, but recurring or untreated infections can lead to complications like:
- Hearing loss
- Delayed speech development
- Chronic ear infections
- Eardrum rupture
Monitoring your child’s symptoms and seeking timely care is the best way to ensure healthy ear development.
Conclusion
Earaches in children are common but should never be ignored. From infections to wax buildup or pressure changes, understanding the possible causes can help you respond quickly and effectively. If your child experiences frequent or severe earaches, trust the experts at ENT Sinus Hearing Care Center to provide compassionate, expert care.
Don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation. With the right treatment, your child can get back to feeling better and hearing clearly again.
