Ear Pain

What causes ear pain?

Ear pain can be the result of one or more underlying health issues. For many kids, an infection in the middle part of the ear or the ear canal can lead to persistent pain and hearing difficulties. 

Your child may also have ear pain due to a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum. This is generally due to the smaller size of the tubes in children’s ears that drain fluids out of the ear and the reason children are more likely to get ear infections than adults.

What are the symptoms of ear pain?

Older children may complain directly of irritation or pain in the ear. When ear pain develops in infants and younger children who can’t yet talk, there may be a number of signs they are bothered by pain, such as:

• Crying
• Ear pulling
• Balance issues
• Redness in the ear canal

You may also notice your child may have trouble hearing you or see visible discharge coming from the ear. 

Any of these symptoms, especially in young children, require a health evaluation at Katy Pediatric Associates as soon as possible. 

How is ear pain diagnosed?

During an ear pain evaluation, your Katy Pediatric Associates provider discusses the symptoms your child has that may indicate ear pain and reviews their medical history. 

To assess your child’s inner ears, your pediatrician uses an otoscope that allows them to see the eardrum up-close for symptoms of infection, such as swelling and redness. 

Your Katy Pediatric Associates provider will also physically examine your child’s neck to identify other signs of infection, including swollen glands. 

How is ear pain treated?

If your child’s ear pain is the result of a bacterial infection, your Katy Pediatric Associates physician prescribes a course of antibiotics, which your child must take all of to clear the infection. 

They can also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to keep your child comfortable. Typically, with antibiotics and rest, your child will begin to feel better within a few days of starting treatment. 

When your child experiences recurrent ear infections, they may need a referral to an ear specialist who can perform a surgery to place drainage tubes in the ear. These tubes help drain away excess fluids and prevent them from building up behind the eardrum. 

You can also get your child vaccinated against the influenza virus each year to reduce their risk of getting ear pain related to the seasonal flu.

If you suspect your child has ear pain or need a treatment plan for recurrent ear infections, schedule a consultation online at Katy Pediatric Associates now or call the office today for more information.