The ear is a sensitive organ. It works by receiving sound waves from around you and then send messages to the brain. The external part of the ear includes the parts that you can see and the ear canal. It is through this ear canal that the sound waves pass through. The waves go through your eardrum and makes it vibrate. The vibration causes the tiny bones in the ear to move, sending the sound waves further to the inner ear.

Since the ear is pretty much exposed outside, a lot of foreign irritants can get in and pretty much cause havoc to your ear. The most common symptom of this is having an ear ache.

Ear aches are common both to children and adults. The problem is that there is no one single cause of ear aches; causes can be infection, wound, or it can be a symptom of another, far more serious disease. The two most common ailments that cause ear aches are otitis externa (infection of the outer ear) and otitis media (infection of the inner ear).

Otitis externa are commonly the result of trapped moisture and minor injury to the ear canal. Usually, moisture sets in when water gains entry to the ear canal, either through swimming (hence the other name “swimmer's ear”) or bathing. Sometimes, moisture is due to the just the hot, humid weather. In any case, the moist environment is a good breeding ground for bacteria to grow and multiply causing infections that lead to ear aches. Otitis externa caused by injuries, on the other hand, is usually caused when you try to clean your ears using swabs or Q-tips. Especially dangerous is when you use hard-edged things like paper clips to clean your ear. The break in the skin is a good place for bacteria to grow and multiply, leading to infection.

Otitis media, on the other hand, is mainly caused by bacteria growing in your middle ear, just behind the eardrums. Oftentimes, it follows after an upper respiratory infection, like a cold, when the condition causes a swelling on the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose. The tube drains out the fluid from the middle ear. If bacteria gets in and infects the lining of the tube (through an upper respiratory infection), the tube gets swollen and it starts to fill with mucus. Fluid will not be able to drain out like it should. When bacteria starts to grow in the fluid, the pressure behind the eardrum increases and this is what causes the ear to ache. Aside from a respiratory infection, allergies can also cause blockage for the eustachian tubes. In some cases, enlargement of the adenoid glands near the ear can also cause the tube blockage.

Aside from an ache in your ear, there are other symptoms that accompany ear aches, both for otitis externa and otitis media. They include:

• Itchiness on the outer part of the ear

• Worsening pain when the ear is pulled or, in severe cases, touched

• A constant ringing or buzzing sound in the ear

• Diminished or loss of hearing

• Thick drainage coming out of the ear

• Blocked sensation in the ear

• Fever can sometimes accompany otitis media

To get rid of the ear aches, you have to address the main cause of the problem. Most cases, it is the infection, and treating infection usually causes the ache to go away.

1. Have your ear checked by a doctor. To make sure that there are no other complications present, have a doctor checked your ear. Also, otitis externa and otitis media can only be diagnosed by a qualified physician. Remember that most ear infections share some common symptoms so a doctor's diagnosis will point you to the right direction and, therefore, right treatment.

2. Treat bacterial infection with antibiotics. If your doctor has diagnosed that the cause of your ear ache is bacterial, a drop of antibiotic eardrops should cure your infection. As always, it is important that you follow your doctor's recommendation as to the dosage. If the infection is viral, antibiotics won't work so your doctor will have to recommend other treatments.

3. Use pain control medications. If the pain is more than you can tolerate, then try some pain control medications. For starters, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are good pain killers. If you have other conditions such as heart problems or ulcers though, consult your doctor first before taking any over-the-counter medications. You might worsen your other existing condition.

4. Use a heating pad to treat pain. A warm heating pad placed over your ear will promote the glands to produce more wax and relieve the pain. The heat will also cause proper circulation by dilating the veins and capillaries in and around the ear, allowing white blood cells better access to the infected area and fight off the invaders. Make sure that you use a warm pad though, and not a hot one.

5. Be careful not to get moisture in the ear while the infection is still up. Lifestyle changes should help in making sure your treatment is not being interrupted. For example, refrain from getting into activities that may cause moisture to enter your ear. Scuba diving and swimming should be avoided, at least until the infection has cleared.

Children are more prone to ear aches than adults, mainly because children can't help but put things on their ears without being careful. Teach your child not to be reckless so he or she won't have to endure an irritating ear ache. The same is applicable to adults. Taking care of your ear will make sure that you won't have to deal with pain in it for a long time.

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