Earache,
Treated Fast

Sharp, throbbing ear pain that won’t let up? Ear pain has a long list of possible causes, and guessing wrong can mean another day of discomfort and another round of the wrong medicine. Get same-day, ENT-focused care, in person or by video.

What Is an Earache?

An earache is pain in or around one or both ears. It can feel sharp, dull, throbbing, or constant, and may come from the ear canal, eardrum, middle ear, or nearby structures like the jaw, sinuses, or throat. Common causes include infection, fluid buildup, pressure changes, earwax blockage, and referred pain from other ENT conditions.

Earache Symptoms

Common symptoms include:
Sharp, dull, or throbbing pain inside the ear
Pressure or fullness in one or both ears
Pain when chewing, yawning, or swallowing
Tenderness around the outer ear
Muffled hearing or sounds feeling far away
Ringing or buzzing in the affected ear
Drainage from the ear
Pain that worsens when lying down

Not sure what is causing your ear pain?

An ENT-focused visit can help identify the issue.

Schedule care right away if you have:

Get Earache Care

Same-day appointments available. Most insurance accepted.

How ENT Urgent Care helps

Ear pain has many possible sources. The same throbbing can come from the ear canal, the middle ear, the jaw, or even the throat, and the right treatment depends on which one is involved. An ENT-focused exam confirms the cause and shapes the right treatment plan.

During your visit, your ENT provider may examine your ear canal and eardrum, review your symptoms, and recommend a treatment plan based on the cause.

Treatment may include:

Virtual or In-Person care?

Choose the care option that fits your symptoms and schedule.
Virtual ENT Care

Virtual ENT care may help with symptom review, triage, and starting treatment for many causes of ear pain.

In-Person Visit

An in-person visit may be needed if your ENT provider needs to look inside the ear canal, remove wax, or evaluate drainage directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Earache.

Still have questions?

If you need help deciding whether virtual care is right for you, our team is here to assist.

Will an earache go away on its own?
Some mild ear pain from pressure changes or minor irritation can ease on its own within a day or two. Pain that lingers, comes with fever, drainage, or hearing changes, or keeps coming back usually points to a cause that needs treatment. An ENT-focused exam can confirm what's driving the pain and prevent it from getting worse.
Pain that doesn't ease after a few days, high fever, sudden hearing loss, drainage from the ear, severe pain that wakes you from sleep, or dizziness with ear pain are all signs to be seen the same day. Pain after a head injury, loud noise exposure, or water exposure also warrants a prompt visit.
No. An earache is a symptom, and an ear infection is one possible cause. Ear pain can also come from wax blockage, pressure changes, jaw issues, or referred pain from the sinuses or throat. Your ENT provider can identify which is driving your symptoms and recommend care that fits the actual cause.
Yes. A virtual ENT visit can review your symptoms, screen for red flags, and start treatment for many causes of ear pain. If your provider needs to look inside the ear canal or remove a blockage, they can route you to a clinic for a same-day in-person visit.

Still have questions?

If you need help deciding whether virtual care is right for you, our team is here to assist.

Get Care for Earache Today

You don’t have to wait out ear pain or guess at what’s causing it. Book a same-day visit and get back to sleeping through the night and going about your day.