| Category | Ear Related Problems |
Ear pain commonly occurs in children, but it can also happen in adults. Pain that begins inside the ear is known as primary otalgia, whereas pain that originates outside the ear is known as secondary otalgia. Ear pain can arise gradually or all of a sudden. The pain can feel dull, sharp, or burning, and can be temporary or ongoing. Usually, the pain arises in only one ear, but sometimes it can appear in both ears.
Ear pain is often caused by a blockage in the eustachian tube, the passageway that extends from the middle ear to the back of the nasal cavity and the throat. When the eustachian tube is blocked, air and fluid can’t flow through the passageway, causing a buildup of pressure and pain.
