Earache & Ear Infections
What Causes Ear Pain?
There are many causes of ear pain. This ranges from middle ear infection, infection of the ear canal, eustachian tube dysfunction, a foreign body in the ear, cerumen impaction, ear trauma, tumor, temporomandibular joint pain, tonsillitis, and even throat cancer. A thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist may be needed to identify the source of less obvious causes of ear pain or to treat ear disorders not responding to typical medical therapies.
Pediatric Ear Disorders
In children, middle ear disorders are the most common diagnosis of earache. If your child is complaining of ear pain, developing multiple ear infections, prone to allergies or nasal congestion, demonstrating signs of decreased hearing or imbalance, they may be suffering from a middle ear infection. Left untreated, this condition can lead to hearing loss, speech delay and developmental delay. Management is typically with ear tubes.
Ear Tubes
Ear tubes may be required in children as well as adults suffering from recurrent ear infections, persistent fluid behind the eardrum, or significant ear pain from poor equalization of the middle ear space. Ear tubes decrease the number of ear infections, allow for easier treatment of infections usually with ear drops only, improve hearing, and oftentimes alleviate ear pain. The procedure is performed through the ear canal with the use of a microscope. A small incision is made in the ear drum and a pressure-equalizing tube is placed.
