Earaches & Ear Disorders

Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Do you feel pressure, a stabbing pain, or a throbbing sensation in your ear? These symptoms can have many causes—ranging from inflammation and infections to sudden hearing loss or acoustic trauma. This overview outlines common causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

How can we help you?

Understanding Earaches

What Earaches Are and What Symptoms May Occur

Ear Inflammation & Infections

Common Inflammatory Conditions, Their Causes, and Typical Course of the Disease

Pressure, Itching, and Unusual Sensations

When Your Ear Feels Different Than Usual

Sudden Hearing Loss, Acoustic Trauma, and Acute Events

Sudden symptoms that should be taken seriously

Other Medical Conditions & Specific Triggers

Specific Medical Conditions and External Factors

When Your Ear Suddenly Hurts

Earaches often occur unexpectedly and can have many causes—ranging from simple irritation or inflammation to infections, injuries, or sudden hearing loss.

On this page, you’ll learn how earaches develop, what symptoms are typical, and what first steps you can take to find relief.
Use our online hearing test to check your hearing yourself, or use our hearing care professional search to find a hearing care professional near you for a professional evaluation.