Earache in Adults

People often make an immediate association between earache and ear infection. However, discomfort in and around the ear can be caused by many different problems. This guide will cover the more common reasons for an ear ache.

Since an ear infection is such a common reason for ear pain, let's consider this possibility first.

Most ear infections occur inside the ear. Usually there is no sign of infection on the outside. Redness, pain and swelling on the outside of the ear indicate a different type of infection.

Do you see any redness or swelling on the outside part of the ear? Yes, the outside of my ear is red and/or swollen. No, the outside of my ear is not red or swollen.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Faculty of Harvard Medical School Date Last Reviewed: 6/15/2006 Date Last Modified: 6/8/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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