Ear Pain

Ear pain (also called otalgia) can affect anyone, at any age, and may range from mild discomfort to sharp, persistent pain. At Orlando Medical Associates in Orlando, Florida, experienced nurse practitioner Elena Vale-Saquieres, DNP, FNP-C, performs thorough evaluations to determine the cause of your pain. Whether you’re dealing with an infection, allergies, sinus problems, dental issues, or irritation, Elena helps you get effective treatment and prevent complications. Call Orlando Medical Associates or book your visit online today to relieve ear pain.

What causes ear pain?

Ear pain can arise from:

• Infections
• Irritation after swimming
• Congestion from colds, allergies, or sinus infections
• Earwax buildup
• Changes in air pressure during air travel
• Foreign objects
• Dental problems
• Jaw issues, like a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
• Throat infections

Because there are many possible causes, schedule an evaluation at Orlando Medical Associates if you have persistent pain.

When should I seek treatment for ear pain?

Mild ear discomfort may improve as you recover from the underlying cause, whether that’s a cold or congestion. However, scheduling an evaluation with Orlando Medical Associates is wise if you have pain that’s severe, persistent, recurring, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Seek prompt care if ear pain occurs alongside:

• Fever
• Significant hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Swelling around the ear
• Drainage or blood coming from the ear
• Severe symptoms or rapidly worsening pain

Children with ear pain may be unable to clearly describe their symptoms and may instead become unusually irritable, have difficulty sleeping, tug at their ears, or have trouble hearing. Schedule an evaluation for your child if they have these symptoms, especially if they’re accompanied by fever.

How is ear pain diagnosed and treated?

Orlando Medical Associates focuses on not only addressing your needs but also evaluating them promptly with next-day visits, or even same-day when possible. 

Elena discusses your symptoms and medical history and may examine your ear using an otoscope, looking for redness, swelling, fluid behind the eardrum, drainage, or other signs of infection. Depending on your symptoms, she may also examine your throat, nose, sinuses, teeth, and jaw.

As for treatment, your ear infection and related conditions may improve without antibiotics, but she can prescribe them if you have a bacterial infection. 

Outer ear infections may require prescription ear drops, while congestion or allergies may be treated with medications that reduce inflammation and improve drainage.

Elena can also help you with pain relief as necessary while your underlying condition improves. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

If you or your child has persistent or significant ear pain, timely evaluation can help identify the cause and provide an appropriate treatment plan.

Call Orlando Medical Associates or book your visit online today to find relief from lingering ear pain.