External ear pain can be caused by ear canal infection, injuries to the outer ear, or blockage of the ear canal. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, is a common cause of pain and is usually caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. Treatment involves medicated ear drops. Earwax buildup and foreign objects can also cause pain and should be treated by a doctor.
External ear pain can have several causes. Ear canal infection, also called otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, is considered a common cause of external ear pain. Injuries to the outer part of the ear can cause significant ear pain. Blockage of the ear canal, whether caused by earwax or a foreign object, can sometimes cause pain in the outer ear.
Otitis externa, the outer ear infection commonly known as swimmer’s ear, can be among the most common causes of external ear pain. Swimmer’s ear is usually caused by a fungal or bacterial infection of the ear canal. People with skin conditions such as scalp dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis may be more likely to suffer from otitis externa. Allergies can also increase the risk of getting otitis externa. Trauma to the ear canal can contribute to otitis externa, as can allowing foreign bodies, including water, to gain access to the ear canal.
Outer ear infections typically cause itching and pain in the ear, along with inflammation of the ear canal. Blisters may occur, causing severe pain in the outer ear. Blood and pus can flow out of the ear. Hearing loss may occur. The pain often gets worse if the outer part of the ear is touched, pulled, pinched, or bent.
Treatment for outer ear infections usually involves using medicated ear drops. Steroids can be used to reduce ear inflammation. Antibiotic or antifungal drops can help treat the infection.
Injuries to the outer ear or lower jaw can also cause pain in the outer ear. Jaw injuries can make the pain seem to extend through the outside of the ear. Ear pain may be more severe if the jaw injury has dislocated part of the ear canal. Injuries to the outside of the ear can also be quite painful, and severe bruising of the outside of the ear can even lead to tissue death.
Blockage of the ear canal can also cause ear pain, especially if it contributes to an outer ear infection. Most ear canal blockages occur due to the buildup of earwax, which can cause ear pain and hearing damage in the blocked ear. Earwax blockages are usually treated by rinsing the blocked ear with warm water. Foreign bodies blocking the ear can also cause pain and contribute to infection. Removing foreign bodies from the ear canal is often best left to a doctor.
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