Earache in adults: common causes and what helps
Ear pain does not always come from the ear. In adults it is often an infection or a blocked tube, or a problem close by, such as the jaw, a tooth or the throat. Here is how to narrow it down, and when to see someone.
Pain in the ear, or pain near it.
Earache can be sharp, dull, throbbing or burning, and it can be constant or come and go. When the problem is in the ear itself there are usually other clues, such as muffled hearing, discharge, itching, or tenderness when you touch the ear.
When the ear looks completely healthy, the pain is often referred from somewhere close by. The ear shares nerves with the jaw, teeth, throat and neck, so a problem in any of those can be felt as earache. Jaw joint problems and dental pain are two of the most common reasons adults have ear pain with nothing wrong in the ear.
Usually comes with muffled hearing, discharge, itching or a blocked feeling.
Pain when chewing, a clicking jaw, toothache or a sore throat point away from the ear itself.
Clues to the cause.
Tick anything that matches your earache.
That often points to the jaw joint or the teeth rather than the ear, so a dentist may be the right person to see. Pain with hearing changes, discharge or tenderness of the ear points to the ear itself.
Common causes of earache in adults.
Pain on touching the ear, itching and sometimes discharge.
Read about swimmer's earDeep pain after a cold, with muffled hearing and sometimes a temperature.
Read about ear infectionsPressure and discomfort after a cold or a flight.
Read about Eustachian tube dysfunctionPain just in front of the ear, worse with chewing, often with clicking or teeth grinding.
An infected tooth or an impacted wisdom tooth can be felt in the ear.
A sore throat or tonsillitis often causes pain in one or both ears.
What helps at home.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen ease most earache. A warm or cold flannel held against the ear can help, and so can sleeping with the painful ear facing up. If you have a cold, steam and staying well hydrated may help a blocked tube open.
Do not put cotton buds or anything else into the ear, and avoid ear drops or oils unless a pharmacist has advised them, especially if there is discharge, in case the eardrum has burst.
A pharmacist is a good first stop for earache. See your GP if the pain lasts more than three days, keeps coming back, or comes with other symptoms such as a temperature, discharge or changes to your hearing.
Ruling out the ear.
We do not treat infections or jaw problems, but a look in your ears often makes the next step much clearer.
We check the ear canal and the eardrum, and tell you plainly what we see.
If wax is causing discomfort and there is no infection, microsuction can clear it.
If the earache came with a change in your hearing, a full test shows whether it has recovered.
If something needs treatment, we write to your GP with our findings.
Get medical help quickly if
- You have a very high temperature or feel very unwell
- There is swelling or redness behind the ear, or the ear is pushed forward
- You have a severe headache, a stiff neck or confusion
- Your face is weak on one side
- Something is stuck in your ear
Call NHS 111 if you are not sure, or 999 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions.
Common reasons are jaw joint problems, dental pain, throat infections and Eustachian tube pressure. If your ear looks healthy on examination, your GP or dentist can help find the source.
Wax usually causes a blocked feeling rather than pain, but a hard, impacted plug can cause discomfort or a dull ache.
Lying down can change the pressure in the middle ear and make congestion worse. Sleeping with the painful ear facing up, and your head slightly raised, may help.
Olive oil softens earwax but does not treat earache. Do not put anything in a painful ear unless a pharmacist or doctor has advised it, in case the eardrum is damaged.
If it lasts more than three days, keeps coming back, or comes with a temperature, discharge, swelling, dizziness or hearing changes.
Want your ears checked?
Ear examinations, earwax removal and hearing tests, in our Birmingham clinic or at home.
Ear infectionsSwimmer's earEustachian tube dysfunctionEar dischargePerforated eardrum
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.