Why Does My Child Have Earache but No Ear Infection? A Parent’s Guide Earache is one of the most common reasons parents seek medical advice for children. It can be distressing, especially when your child is crying, not sleeping, refusing food or repeatedly pulling at one ear. Many parents naturally assume that earache means an ear infection. Sometimes it does. But not always. A child can have significant ear pain even when the eardrum looks normal, and there is no obvious middle-ear infection. This is because the ear shares nerve pathways with nearby areas including the throat, tonsils, teeth, jaw joint and neck. Pain from these areas can be “referred” to the ear. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon, assesses children with ear, hearing and paediatric ENT concerns from London, East London, Brentwood, Romford, Ilford, Redbridge, Chelmsford and wider Essex. This guide explains why earache can happen without an obvious ear infection, what parents should watch for, and when ENT as...
Why do my ears hurt whilst flying? Our ear has three parts- the external ear, middle ear and inner ear. The external ear and middle ear are separated by the eardrum. Usually, the pressure on both sides of the drum is equal, helped by the opening and closing of the Eustachian tube. Pressure changes in the cabin of an aeroplane during climbing and landing. Middle ear pressure becomes negative, especially when landing. When negative pressure pulls on the eardrum, it can become painful. What are other names of Barotrauma? Barotrauma is also known as Barotitis media or aerotitis media. What other symptoms can suggest Barotrauma? The most common symptom is a painful ear. This can be associated with decreased hearing, tinnitus and mild vertigo. In some cases, if associated with severe dizziness, severe deafness and bleeding from the ear due to eardrum perforation, you need to see an Ear Nose Throat Consultant immediately. Who are at increased risk of the painful ear whe...