Sharp, piercing earache is one of the most troublesome symptoms that often drives patients to seek medical help. What causes this type of pain? Why does the ear hurt, and most importantly, how can you relieve it? A Polish ENT specialist in London explains everything you need to know.
Types and Classification of Ear Infections
The most common cause of ear pain is inflammation. However, ear infections can present in several forms depending on where the inflammation occurs.
based on location, course of illness, and underlying cause.
Classification by location
Outer ear infection (otitis externa)
Affects the external ear canal. Often caused by bacteria, fungi, or irritation (e.g., after swimming – so-called “swimmer’s ear”). Symptoms: pain when touching the ear, itching, sometimes discharge.
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Affects the space behind the eardrum. Most common in children. Can be acute or chronic. Symptoms: pain, fever, hearing loss, sometimes purulent discharge.
Inner ear infection (labyrinthitis)
Less common but more serious. Affects the labyrinth– the structure responsible for balance. Symptoms: vertigo, tinnitus, hearing decline, nausea.
Classification by course of illness
- Acute otitis – sudden onset with intense symptoms (pain, fever, sometimes discharge).
- Chronic otitis – lasts weeks or months; symptoms may be milder, but complications are more likely (e.g., eardrum perforation, chronic fluid build-up).
Classification by type of discharge (middle ear infections)
- Purulent otitis media – pus in the middle ear cavity, often leaking through a perforated eardrum.
- Glue ear – fluid build-up without pus; common in children.
- Serous otitis – accumulation of thin, serous fluid.
Classification by cause
- Bacterial – most common, especially in acute middle ear infections.
- Viral – often accompanies respiratory infections.
- Fungal (otomycosis) – usually affects the outer ear; often develops after antibiotic treatment or in people with weakened immunity.
Symptoms of Outer Ear Infection
Any part of the ear can become inflamed, and ignoring the symptoms is never recommended due to the discomfort and risk of complications. How can you recognise outer ear infection? A Polish ENT Surgeon in London lists the most common symptoms:
Signs of otitis externa:
- Ear pain that worsens when touching or pressing (e.g., pulling the pinna or pressing the tragus).
- Itching inside the ear canal – often the first symptom.
- Feeling of fullness or blockage – sensation of foreign body inside the ear.
- Ear discharge – watery, purulent, sometimes blood-tinged, often with an unpleasant smell.
- Conductive hearing loss – caused by swelling or discharge blocking the canal.
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal – visible during otoscopic examination.
- In more severe cases: fever, swollen lymph nodes around the ear, severe pain during chewing or talking.
If left untreated, outer ear infection may lead to complications such as:
- inflammation of the outer ear,
- hearing loss,
- middle ear infection.
Symptoms of Middle Ear Infection
Another common condition seen by ENT doctors is middle ear infection.
Signs of otitis media
- Severe ear pain – sudden and pulsating; children may cry or tug at the ear, adults describe it as stabbing or pressure.
- Fever – often high in children (above 38–39°C).
- Hearing loss – a blocked sensation and conductive impairment.
- Ear discharge – occurs after eardrum perforation; usually purulent.
- Feeling of pressure or fullness – due to fluid build-up behind the eardrum.
- General infection symptoms – irritability, poor appetite, runny nose, cough (often linked to an upper respiratory infection).
- Vertigo or balance issues – less common but possible in severe cases.
Though more common in children, adults can also develop middle ear infections. It may present as acute otitis media, glue ear, or chronic otitis media. However, a Polish ENT Surgeon in the UK most often sees patients with the acute form of the condition. Although this illness frequently occurs in children, it does not mean that adults cannot develop it as well. It's often triggered by allergies, enlarged adenoids, or nasal polyps. Untreated infection may lead to:
- eardrum perforation,
- hearing loss,
- facial nerve paralysis,
- meningitis,
- inner ear infection.
Symptoms of Inner Ear Infection
Inner ear infection is the most complex form, and diagnosis can be challenging. Inner ear infection is equivalent to inflammation of the labyrinth, which is responsible for maintaining balance.
Signs of labyrinthitis
- Severe vertigo – sudden and intense, with a sensation of spinning.
- Balance disturbances – difficulty walking, staggering, falls.
- Nausea and vomiting – due to vestibular dysfunction.
- Tinnitus – ringing, buzzing, or humming.
- Hearing loss – usually sudden and unilateral.
- Ear pain – less common but possible.
- Fever and malaise – mainly in bacterial infections.
Characteristics distinguishing it from other ear infections
- Symptoms affect both hearing and balance.
- Onset can be sudden and severely disrupt daily functioning.
- It is potentially dangerous and may cause permanent hearing loss or neurological complications.
Delaying treatment increases the risk of serious issues such as permanent vestibular damage, meningitis, or complete hearing loss. Therefore, do not delay your consultation with a Polish ENT Surgeon in the UK if you notice the worrying symptoms.
How Is an Ear Infection Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of infection. It may include careful cleaning of the ear canal by a specialist, antibiotic or antifungal therapy, or further diagnostic tests.
During the examination, a Polish ENT specialist in the UK may perform:
- ear swab,
- ENT examination,
- otoscopy,
- audiogram (hearing test),
- neurological referral if labyrinthitis is suspected.
Hospitalisation may be required if inner ear infection is confirmed.
Treatment of otitis externa
- Ear canal cleaning by a doctor (removal of discharge, pus, or fungal debris).
- Ear drops with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or antifungal agents.
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, paracetamol).
- Avoiding water exposure and cotton buds.
Treatment of otitis media
- Antibiotics (usually amoxicillin) – especially in children under 2, in severe cases, or recurrent infections.
- Pain and fever relief medication.
- Nasal decongestant drops – to improve Eustachian tube function.
- Myringotomy (eardrum incision) in severe cases to drain pus.
- Ventilation tubes (grommets) for chronic glue ear.
Treatment of labyrinthitis
- Hospitalisation – usually necessary due to complications.
- Intravenous antibiotics (for bacterial infections).
- Medication for vertigo and nausea.
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Treatment of associated conditions (e.g., meningitis, respiratory infections).
General supportive measures
- Rest and hydration.
- Avoiding cold, drafts, and moisture.
- Follow-up ENT appointments, especially for recurrent infections.
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How to manage an ear infection?
An ear infection can be very painful and troublesome. If left untreated or ignored, it may lead to serious complications, which is why quick action and proper medical care are essential.
Early medical consultation
The first step should always be seeing your GP or an ENT specialist. Doctor will assess what type of ear infection you are dealing with and choose the appropriate treatment. When it comes to children, it is especially important to act quickly – middle ear infection is one of the most common childhood illnesses.
Relieving pain and fever
While waiting for your appointment, you can use over-the-counter painkillers and fever relief (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen). Rest and proper hydration are also important.
Avoid self-treatment with ear drops
Do not apply ear drops on your own (unless prescribed) and don’t use cotton buds. If the eardrum is perforated, such actions may worsen the condition and make treatment more difficult.
In-home supporting treatment
- avoid wetting the ear while bathing,
- apply a warm, dry compress around the ear (only if not contraindicated,
- keep the nose clear during upper respiratory infections to support Eustachian tube function.
Post treatment check-ups
After completing the treatment, doctor may recommend a follow-up visit to ensure the inflammation has resolved and there are no complications. This is especially important for children, who are more prone to recurrent infections.
Polish ENT Surgeon in the UK on factors contributing to ear infections
Depending on the type of ear infection, many factors may influence the development of the condition.
In cases of outer ear infection, people with diabetes, allergies, or those who frequently use swimming pools are at higher risk. This condition can also be triggered by improper cleaning of the ear canal.
In middle ear infections, exposure to cigarette smoke, polyps, or enlarged tonsils or adenoid may contribute to the problem.
If you notice symptoms that may indicate an ear infection, do not delay booking a consultation with Polish ENT Surgeon in Harrow. Remember that treatment should always be guided by a medical professional – attempting to treat yourself without consultation can lead to serious complications. A Polish ENT doctor in London can provide a quick diagnosis and effective treatment to help you recover safely.
