Causes
Infection
Under normal circumstances, a short narrow tube (the eustachian tube) drains the middle ear into the nasal passages. Often, during a cold or with an allergy, the mucous membranes lining the eustachian tube will swell, closing off the tube. If the tube closes, the fluid cannot flow through as it should. If the fluid accumulates in the middle ear and becomes stagnant, there is a good chance that bacteria will grow, causing an infection in the middle ear. This can happen in one or both ears.
Ear infections are more likely to occur in children and infants because their tubes are so much smaller than those of adults are. If a child is irritable, has a fever, and is pulling on the ear, suspect an ear infection. Ear infections need to be treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria inside the middle ear.
Earwax Blockage
Earwax is the body's way of keeping the ear canal clean. Sometimes, however, the earwax can build up and harden, causing temporary hearing loss, pain, and pressure in the ear. It is not a good idea to poke at this buildup of earwax with swabs or fingers. A professional should remove the hardened earwax.
Water in the Ear
If water enters the ear due to swimming, bathing, or showering, it can cause an earache. This can generally be resolved by drying out the ear.
Altitude Change
Ear pain and stuffiness can occur when changing altitudes (most commonly in an airplane). The cause of the pain or stuffiness is a clog in the eustachian tube.
