Earache in Adults: Ear Infection, Wax, Jaw Pain or Something Else?

Earache in adults can feel sharp, dull, burning, throbbing or blocked. It may affect one ear or both ears, and it can come with muffled hearing, ringing, dizziness, discharge, fever, sore throat, jaw pain or pressure around the face.

Many earaches are caused by minor infections or wax build-up and improve with simple care. But ear pain is not always coming from the ear itself. Dental problems, jaw joint problems, sinusitis, throat infections and nerve pain can all be felt in or around the ear.

This guide explains common causes of earache in adults, what may help at home, when a pharmacist can advise, when to see a GP, and when ear symptoms need urgent medical help.

Important: Get urgent medical advice if you have severe ear pain, swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, sudden hearing loss, dizziness with neurological symptoms, a high fever, blood or pus from the ear, an object stuck in the ear, or ear pain after a head injury.

What causes earache in adults?

Earache can be caused by a problem inside the ear, around the ear canal, behind the eardrum, or somewhere nearby. Pain from the jaw, teeth, throat or sinuses can be “referred” to the ear because these areas share nerve pathways.

Common causes of earache in adults include:

middle ear infection
outer ear infection, also called swimmer’s ear
earwax build-up
eustachian tube dysfunction after a cold or allergy
sinusitis
sore throat or tonsillitis
jaw joint problems, also called TMD or TMJ dysfunction
dental problems, including tooth infection or wisdom tooth pain
ear injury or pressure changes
eczema or skin irritation in the ear canal
shingles affecting the ear area
less commonly, more serious infection or inflammation

NHS Inform describes earache as a common problem that may feel sharp, dull or burning, and may be constant or come and go. It is often caused by a minor infection and can improve within a few days. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Ear infection: common symptoms

An ear infection is one of the most common causes of earache. It may affect the middle ear, behind the eardrum, or the outer ear canal.

Symptoms of an ear infection can include:

pain inside the ear
feeling of pressure or fullness
muffled hearing
high temperature or feeling feverish
discharge from the ear
itching or irritation in and around the ear
scaly skin around the ear opening
feeling generally unwell

The NHS says ear infection symptoms usually start quickly and can include ear pain, a high temperature, difficulty hearing, discharge, pressure or fullness, itching and irritation, and scaly skin around the ear. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Middle ear infection

A middle ear infection, also called otitis media, happens behind the eardrum. It often follows a cold, flu-like illness, sinus infection or sore throat. Fluid and inflammation can build up behind the eardrum, causing pain and pressure.

Middle ear infection symptoms may include:

earache
muffled hearing
pressure or fullness in the ear
fever
feeling tired or unwell
sometimes discharge if the eardrum perforates

NHS Inform notes that middle ear infection symptoms can include earache, fever, being sick, lack of energy and slight hearing loss. In some cases, pus may run out of the ear if a hole develops in the eardrum. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Many middle ear infections improve without antibiotics. Pain relief and time are often enough, but medical advice is needed if symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, or you are at higher risk of complications.

Outer ear infection or swimmer’s ear

An outer ear infection, also called otitis externa or swimmer’s ear, affects the ear canal. It is more likely after swimming, using earbuds, scratching the ear canal, skin conditions such as eczema, or moisture being trapped in the ear.

Symptoms may include:

ear pain that may worsen when touching or pulling the outer ear
itching inside the ear
discharge
blocked feeling
muffled hearing
redness or swelling around the ear canal
scaly or flaky skin

Outer ear infections may need ear drops, depending on the cause. Avoid putting cotton buds, fingers or objects into the ear canal, as this can make irritation worse and increase infection risk.

Earwax build-up

Earwax is normal and protective. It helps clean and protect the ear canal. Usually, it falls out by itself. Sometimes too much wax builds up and blocks the ear.

Earwax build-up can cause:

earache
blocked or full feeling
muffled hearing
ringing in the ear, called tinnitus
dizziness in some people
itching

The NHS says earwax usually falls out on its own. If it builds up and blocks the ear, olive or almond oil drops may be used for several days, although almond oil should not be used by people allergic to almonds. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Do not use cotton buds, hair clips, ear candles or other objects to remove wax. These can push wax deeper, damage the ear canal or eardrum, and increase infection risk.

How to soften earwax safely

If you think wax is causing blocked hearing or discomfort, a pharmacist can advise on suitable ear drops. Some people use olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops. Follow the product instructions and avoid drops if you have ear discharge, a known hole in the eardrum, ear surgery history, severe pain or an active infection unless a clinician advises it.

General earwax self-care may include:

using pharmacy-recommended ear drops
letting drops soak in while lying with the affected ear facing up
not inserting anything into the ear canal
seeing a clinician if hearing loss, pain or blockage continues

If wax does not clear or hearing remains reduced, you may need professional assessment. Availability of NHS earwax removal varies by area, so your GP surgery or local pharmacy may advise on local options.

Eustachian tube dysfunction: blocked ear after a cold

The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. It helps equalise pressure. After a cold, sinus infection, hay fever or allergy flare, this tube can become blocked or swollen.

Symptoms may include:

blocked or full feeling in the ear
popping or crackling
muffled hearing
mild earache or pressure
symptoms worse when flying or going up/down hills

This often improves as the cold or allergy settles. Steam is not necessary and can cause burns if used carelessly. Saline nasal spray, managing allergies, swallowing, yawning or chewing may help some people. Speak to a pharmacist if symptoms are linked to hay fever or congestion.

Jaw pain and TMJ problems

Earache is not always an ear problem. Temporomandibular disorder, often shortened to TMD or TMJ disorder, affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can cause pain around the jaw, ear and temple.

Symptoms of TMD can include:

pain around the jaw, ear or temple
clicking, popping or grinding when moving the jaw
headache around the temples
pain when chewing
difficulty opening the mouth fully
jaw locking
symptoms worse with stress or teeth grinding

The NHS lists pain around the jaw, ear and temple, jaw clicking or popping, headache around the temples and difficulty opening the mouth fully as symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

TMD pain may be worse in the morning if you grind your teeth at night, or worse later in the day after chewing, clenching or stress. A dentist may be helpful if tooth grinding, bite problems or dental pain are involved.

Dental problems that feel like earache

Tooth problems can cause pain that feels like it is coming from the ear. This is especially common with back teeth, wisdom teeth, dental abscesses or jaw inflammation.

Dental-related ear pain may come with:

toothache
pain when biting or chewing
sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
swollen gum or face
bad taste in the mouth
jaw pain
wisdom tooth pain

If dental symptoms are present, a dentist is often the right place to start. For related guidance, see Toothache: Causes, Relief and When to See a Dentist, Dental Abscess: Symptoms and Treatment and Wisdom Tooth Pain and Removal.

Sore throat, tonsillitis and ear pain

Throat infections can cause referred pain to the ear. This means the ear may hurt even when the ear itself is not infected. Tonsillitis, sore throat, glandular fever and throat irritation can all cause ear pain.

This may come with:

sore throat
pain when swallowing
swollen glands
fever
hoarse voice
white spots on the tonsils
bad breath

If throat symptoms are prominent, read Sore Throat: Causes, Home Relief and When to See a GP and Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment.

Sinusitis and ear pressure

Sinusitis can cause pressure around the face, blocked nose, thick nasal discharge, reduced smell and pain around the cheeks, forehead or upper teeth. It can also affect the ears by causing pressure, popping or a blocked feeling.

Sinus-related ear discomfort is often worse with congestion and may come with:

blocked or runny nose
facial pressure
headache
post-nasal drip
cough
reduced smell
ear pressure or popping

See Sinusitis: Guide to Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for more detail.

Earache after swimming, flying or pressure changes

Swimming can irritate the ear canal or trap moisture, increasing the risk of outer ear infection. Flying, diving or altitude changes can cause pressure pain when the eustachian tube cannot equalise pressure properly.

Seek advice if ear pain after flying, diving or swimming is severe, does not settle, or comes with hearing loss, dizziness, discharge, bleeding or fever.

Do not fly or dive with a severe ear infection unless you have medical advice. Diving with ear symptoms can be dangerous because of pressure changes.

Ear discharge: what it may mean

Discharge from the ear can be watery, sticky, pus-like, bloody or foul-smelling. It may happen with outer ear infection, middle ear infection with a perforated eardrum, eczema, injury, foreign body or other causes.

Seek medical advice if you have ear discharge, especially if it comes with:

pain
hearing loss
fever
dizziness
blood
bad smell
recent injury
diabetes or a weakened immune system

Avoid putting drops into the ear unless advised if you have discharge or may have a perforated eardrum.

Sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss needs urgent medical advice. It can be caused by wax, infection, eardrum problems or inner ear conditions, but sudden sensorineural hearing loss is time-sensitive and needs prompt assessment.

Seek urgent help if hearing suddenly drops in one or both ears, especially if it happens over hours or a couple of days, or comes with dizziness, ringing, ear pressure or neurological symptoms.

If hearing loss is gradual or ongoing, see Hearing Loss: The Complete UK Guide. If ringing is a main symptom, see Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.

Dizziness or vertigo with earache

The inner ear helps with balance, so some ear conditions can cause dizziness or vertigo. Vertigo is the feeling that you or the room is spinning.

Seek urgent advice if dizziness or vertigo comes with:

new hearing loss
severe headache
facial weakness
speech problems
double vision
weakness or numbness on one side
difficulty walking
chest pain or fainting

These symptoms may suggest a neurological emergency rather than a simple ear problem. For related guidance, read Dizziness: Common Causes and When to Worry.

What can help earache at home?

If earache is mild, you feel well, and there are no red flags, simple self-care may help while you monitor symptoms.

Helpful steps may include:

taking suitable pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you can take them
holding a warm or cool flannel against the ear
resting and drinking fluids if you have a viral illness
avoiding putting cotton buds or objects in the ear
avoiding swimming until symptoms settle
keeping the ear dry if there is discharge or suspected infection
asking a pharmacist about wax drops if wax build-up is likely

Do not put oil, drops or home remedies into the ear if you have discharge, severe pain, a known perforated eardrum, grommets, ear surgery history, or an object stuck in the ear unless a clinician advises it.

Should you use ear drops?

Ear drops can help some problems, such as wax build-up or certain outer ear infections, but the wrong drops can be unhelpful or unsafe in some situations.

Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using drops if:

you have discharge from the ear
you may have a perforated eardrum
you have severe pain
you have ear tubes or grommets
you have had ear surgery
you have sudden hearing loss
you have dizziness or balance problems

If drops are advised, follow the instructions carefully and complete the course if prescribed.

Do adults need antibiotics for earache?

Not always. Many ear infections improve without antibiotics, especially if symptoms are mild and the person is otherwise well. Antibiotics may be needed if symptoms are severe, not improving, there is discharge, a high risk of complications, or the infection is bacterial and unlikely to settle by itself.

A clinician will consider your symptoms, examination findings, medical history and risk factors before deciding. Do not use leftover antibiotics or someone else’s antibiotics.

When to see a pharmacist

A pharmacist can help with mild earache, suspected wax build-up, pain relief, mild outer ear irritation and advice on whether you need a GP appointment.

Speak to a pharmacist if:

you think wax is blocking your ear
you need advice on ear drops
you need suitable pain relief
you have mild ear discomfort after a cold
you have itchy or flaky skin around the outer ear
you are unsure whether symptoms need a GP

For more on pharmacy advice, see When to See a Pharmacist Instead of a GP.

When to contact a GP or NHS 111

Contact a GP, out-of-hours service or NHS 111 if:

earache does not improve after 3 days
ear pain is severe or worsening
you have discharge from the ear
you have hearing loss
you have repeated ear infections
you have a high temperature or feel very unwell
you have dizziness or vertigo
you have swelling around the ear
there is something stuck in the ear
you have diabetes or a weakened immune system
you have ear pain after swimming, diving or injury
you are unsure what to do

NHS guidance advises medical help if earache does not improve after 3 days, if there is discharge, hearing loss, something stuck in the ear, or if the person is becoming more unwell. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

You can use NHS 111 online in England if you need urgent advice and it is not a 999 emergency.

If you need help arranging care, see How to Get a GP Appointment Quickly in the UK.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent medical help if earache comes with symptoms that could suggest a serious infection, neurological problem or injury.

Get urgent help if you have:

severe pain that is not controlled with suitable pain relief
swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear
the ear sticking out more than usual
sudden hearing loss
facial weakness or drooping
severe dizziness or difficulty walking
confusion or severe drowsiness
severe headache with fever or stiff neck
blood or pus from the ear after injury
ear pain after a head injury
symptoms of stroke, such as face drooping, arm weakness or speech problems

Call 999 if there are stroke symptoms, collapse, severe head injury, severe confusion, or symptoms that suggest a life-threatening emergency.

What will a clinician check?

A clinician may ask when the pain started, whether hearing is affected, whether there is discharge, fever, dizziness, sore throat, dental pain, jaw pain, swimming, flying, injury or previous ear problems.

They may examine:

inside the ear using an otoscope
the ear canal and eardrum
the throat and tonsils
the nose and sinuses
the jaw joint
the teeth or gums if dental pain is suspected
neck glands
temperature and general signs of illness

Depending on the cause, treatment may include pain relief, ear drops, wax treatment, antibiotics, nasal treatments, dental care, jaw advice or referral to ENT or audiology.

How to describe earache clearly

If you speak to a pharmacist, GP, dentist or NHS 111, clear details can help them decide what you need.

Useful information includes:

which ear hurts
when the pain started
whether pain is sharp, dull, throbbing or burning
whether hearing is reduced
whether there is discharge, blood or bad smell
whether you have fever or feel unwell
whether you feel dizzy or have vertigo
whether you recently had a cold, sore throat or sinus symptoms
whether you have toothache or jaw pain
whether pain is worse when chewing or opening your mouth
whether you have been swimming, flying or diving
whether you use hearing aids, earbuds or earplugs
whether anything may be stuck in the ear

Frequently asked questions about earache in adults

How long should earache last in adults?

Mild earache from a minor infection or pressure change may improve within a few days. Seek medical advice if earache does not improve after 3 days, gets worse, or comes with discharge, hearing loss, fever, dizziness or feeling very unwell.

Can earache be caused by wax?

Yes. Earwax build-up can cause earache, blocked feeling, muffled hearing, tinnitus, itching and sometimes dizziness. Do not use cotton buds to remove wax. Ask a pharmacist about suitable drops or seek advice if symptoms continue.

Can jaw problems cause ear pain?

Yes. TMJ or TMD problems can cause pain around the jaw, ear and temple. The pain may be worse when chewing, yawning, clenching or grinding your teeth. Clicking, popping or jaw locking can also occur.

Can toothache feel like earache?

Yes. Dental infections, wisdom tooth problems and jaw inflammation can cause pain that is felt in the ear. If you have tooth pain, gum swelling, pain when biting or a bad taste in the mouth, contact a dentist.

Should I put olive oil in my ear for earache?

Olive oil may help soften earwax, but it is not a treatment for all earache. Do not put oil or drops in your ear if you have discharge, severe pain, a known or suspected perforated eardrum, grommets, ear surgery history, or something stuck in the ear unless advised by a clinician.

Are cotton buds safe for earwax?

No. Cotton buds can push wax deeper, irritate the ear canal or damage the eardrum. The ear usually clears wax naturally. If wax is causing symptoms, ask a pharmacist or clinician about safer options.

Can a sore throat cause ear pain?

Yes. Sore throat, tonsillitis and throat infections can cause referred pain to the ear because the throat and ear share nerve pathways. Ear pain with swallowing may be related to the throat rather than the ear itself.

When is ear discharge serious?

Ear discharge should be assessed, especially if it is bloody, pus-like, foul-smelling, linked with pain, fever, hearing loss, dizziness, injury, diabetes or a weakened immune system. Avoid using drops unless advised.

Can earache cause dizziness?

Some ear conditions can affect balance and cause dizziness or vertigo. Seek urgent help if dizziness comes with sudden hearing loss, severe headache, facial weakness, speech problems, weakness on one side, difficulty walking, chest pain or fainting.

Do adults need antibiotics for ear infections?

Not always. Many ear infections improve without antibiotics. A clinician may consider antibiotics if symptoms are severe, not improving, there is discharge, or you are at higher risk of complications.

Final thoughts

Earache in adults can be caused by ear infection, wax build-up, pressure changes, sinus problems, throat infection, dental issues or jaw joint problems. The pattern of symptoms matters: blocked hearing may suggest wax or pressure, discharge may suggest infection or eardrum problems, jaw clicking may suggest TMD, and tooth symptoms may point towards a dental cause.

For mild symptoms, a pharmacist can advise on pain relief, wax treatment and whether you need further assessment. Contact a GP, dentist, NHS 111 or an urgent service if pain is severe, not improving after 3 days, linked with discharge, hearing loss, fever, dizziness, swelling, injury or you feel very unwell.

For official guidance, see the NHS pages on earache, ear infections, earwax build-up and temporomandibular disorder.

This article is for general information only and should not replace medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms or someone else’s, contact NHS 111, your GP, a dentist, a pharmacist, or call 999 in an emergency.