Outer Ear
The ear is generally described in three parts: outer, middle and inner. Different conditions can affect each of these separately or can progressively involve all parts of the ear bone and its surrounding structures. Pain , especially constant or worsening pain about the ear, is a serious symptom and must be carefully assessed to exclude potentially very dangerous conditions.
Otalgia may be primary (from the ear structures themselves) or referred (from other, generally nearby, structures)
Primary causes of otalgia involving the Outer Ear are described below:
Infection = Otitis Externa
Acute
Also called swimmerís ear or tropical ear
Presents with hearing loss, ear discharge, and pain in the ear radiating to surrounding scalp, jaw and neck
Treated with suction cleaning under direct vision and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ear drops, keeping ear dry, pain killers.
Chronic
Similar symptoms to above.
Often secondary to untreated or poorly treated acute otitis externa
Often associated with unnecessary self instrumentation (cotton buds, hair clips, etc - the ear canals are self cleaning and do not require cleaning in majority of individuals), underlying skin disease, dermatitis or psoriasis
Similar treatment to acute condition but generally more prolonged recovery time
Trauma
Laceration and fractures, ear drum perforation
Foreign body
Seeds, insects, toy parts, metal fragments (endless list !!)
Benign and malignant tumours
Rare and treated with surgery and radiotherapy
Ear, Nose and Throat Problems may contribute to Headaches and Migraines so it is important to have them professionally addressed. It is also important to investigate for other potential causes, as many cases of Headaches and Migraines have more than one ingredient.
See Treatments Section
Author:
Mr Anthony J. Guiney MBBS FRACSEar, Nose, Throat, Head & Neck Surgeon