Ear pain has many causes and not all need washing. Correct diagnosis first, then appropriate treatment.
Causes Needing Washing:
- Hardened wax: Pressing on canal wall or eardrum — washing removes the pressure.
- Foreign body: Especially in children — beads or insects.
Causes NOT Needing Washing:
- Otitis Externa: Bacterial infection of the canal — "swimmer's ear". Needs antibiotic drops.
- Otitis Media: Infection behind the eardrum — common in children. Needs oral antibiotics.
- TMJ pain: Jaw joint problems cause pain resembling ear pain.
- Sore throat: Pain reflects to ear through shared nerves.
- Toothache: Especially wisdom teeth — pain reaches the ear.
When to See Doctor:
- Pain for more than 48 hours.
- Fever with ear pain.
- Ear discharge.
- Sudden hearing loss.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we diagnose the cause of ear pain and provide appropriate treatment.